THE JOYS AND OBLIGATIONS OF CHRISTIAN STEWARDSHIP
SABBATH
SCHOOL
LESSON
Senior Division, No. 289, Third Quarter, 1967
THE BLESSING OF DAILY STUDY
"The beauty and riches of the Word have a transforming influence on
mind and character."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
page 132.
"There is nothing more calculated to strengthen the intellect than the
study of the Scriptures. No other book is so potent to elevate the thoughts, to
give vigor to the faculties, as the broad, ennobling truths of the Bible. If
God's Word were studied as it should be, men would have a breadth of mind,
a nobility of character, and a stability of purpose rarely seen in these 'dines."
—Steps to Christ,
page 90.
My Daily Lesson Study Pledge
As one who greatly desires to improve his knowledge of the Scriptures, I pledge
myself to the careful and prayerful study of some portion of my Sabbath School
lesson each day of the week.
Nate
--------
Lesson Titles for the Quarter
1. The Christian, a Steward of God
'2. Christian Worship Acknowledges Stewardship
3.
The Church, a Steward of God's Grace
4.
The Christian, a Steward of Faith
5.
The Stewardship of Prayer
6.
The Stewardship of the Word of God
7.
The Stewardship of Influence
8.
Stewardship in the Home
9.
Christian Stewardship of Talents
10.
Stewardship in Service
11.
A Faithful Stewardship of Material Things
12.
Generosity in Stewardship
13.
Stewardship of His Love
14.
Rewards That Endure
Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, No. 289, July-September, 1967. 20 cents a single copy, 75 cents a
year (four issues) ; no additional charge to countries requiring extra postage. Published in the U.S.A.
by Pacific Press Publishing Association (a corporation of S.D.A.), 1350 Villa Street, Mountain View,
California 94040. Second-class mail privileges authoriaed at Mountain View, California. Form 3579
requested. When a change of address is desired, please be sure to send both old and new addresses.
Copyright, 1967, by Pacific Press Publishing Association
Printed in U.S.A.
COVER: DEVANEY
Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly
THE JOYS AND OBLIGATIONS OF CHRISTIAN STEWARDSHIP
GENERAL INTRODUCTION
In creating man as a free moral agent,
the Creator conferred upon him certain in-
escapable responsibilities. He was, for ex-
ample, responsible for the perpetuation of
human life and its welfare. He was to ex-
ercise a representative dominion over the
animal creation. He was ordained to work
and to acquire the means by which to enjoy
the gifts of life. He was to be his brother's
keeper in the sense of respecting and assist-
ing in his well-being. All of this required a
discreet use of time, effort, and intelligence.
These responsibilities were to be passed
on to his descendants, so that in time each
man was responsible to God for all that his
God-given life meant to him—health, fam-
ily, home, friends, church association and
worship, the moral and spiritual education
of children, the ethical standards of his
community, the acquirement and use of
possessions whether in the use of goods or
money. In short, the whole of everything
that life meant was a heaven-sent privilege
and a solemn responsibility which could
not be evaded. Life and all it connoted
must be either well-spent or misspent, and
each man was to be answerable to God for
the results.
This, of course, was a stewardship of the
whole of life, not simply a stewardship of
money. These lessons are an attempt to set
Biblical stewardship in the context of man's
whole existence before his Creator. Rightly
conceived and sincerely accepted, the study
of this larger aspect of stewardship will
bring great blessing to the whole of God's
church.
Lesson 1, for July 1, 1967
The Christian, a Steward of God
MEMORY VERSE:
"Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and
stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a
man be found faithful." 1 Cor. 4:1, 2.
STUDY HELPS:
"S.D.A. Bible Commentary"; "Counsels on Stewardship," pages 13-
20; "Testimonies," Vol. 2, pages 282-288.
STUDY AIM:
To gain an understanding of our complete dependence on others, and
of our stewardship, as children of Christ, of a high and holy cause.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Children of Faith
1.
Becoming the children of God.
Gal. 3:26; John 1:12.
2.
The assurance of the believer.
1 John 4:13.
3.
Believers and their allegiance.
1 Cor. 6:19, 20.
II. God's Right of Ownership
4.
All things exist because of Christ.
Col. 1:16-18.
5.
Christ, the Creator, is also the
Redeemer. Isa. 43:1.
6.
God is able to keep us from falling.
Jude 24, 25.
7.
God's purpose for the believer.
Eph. 2:10.
III. The
atP
Believer's Obligation
43a2 AWST:
8.
.to live -tor t.,&ct, 'not for self.
2 Cor. 5:14, 15.
9.
To be transformed in character.
Rom. 12:2.
10.
To give evidence of a changed life
by Christian service. Matt. 10:42.
11.
To be prepared to face the judg-
ment. Eccl. 12:14.
IV. The Spirit of the Believer
12.
Willing to deny himself and follow
Christ. Luke 9:23.
13.
Simplicity and modesty in alms-
giving. Mark 12:41-44; Matt. 6:
2, 3.
14.
Faithfulness as a steward. 1 Cor.
4:1, 2.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"Everyone who connects himself with the
church makes in that act a solemn vow to
work for the interest of the church and to
hold that interest above every worldly con-
sideration. It is his work to preserve a liv-
ing connection with God, to engage with
heart and soul in the great scheme of re-
demption, and to show, in his life and
character, the excellency of God's com-
mandments in contrast with the customs
and precepts of the world. Every soul that
has made a profession of Christ has pledged
himself to be all that it is possible for him
to be as a spiritual worker, to be active,
zealous, and efficient in his Master's ser-
vice. Christ expects every man to do his
duty; let this be the watchword throughout
the ranks of His
followers."—Testimonies,
Vol. 5, p. 460.
"All are to show their fidelity to God by
the wise use of His entrusted capital, not in
means alone, but in any endowment that
will tend to the upbuilding of His kingdom.
Satan will employ every possible device to
prevent the truth from reaching those who
are buried in error; but the voice of warn-
ing and entreaty must come to them. And
while only a few are engaged in this work,
thousands ought to be as much interested
as
they."—Ibid.,
p. 462.
Children of Faith
1.
In
what way do men and women
become children of God? Gal. 3:26;
John 1:12.
2.
What evidence does the believer
have that he dwells in God? 1 John
4:13.
NOTE.—"That which determines whether
we shall receive the Spirit and whether the
Spirit will be able to use us, is our surrender
to His guidance.... As the Father gave the
Spirit to empower the Son during His life
on earth, so God will give of the Spirit to
us. But we have a part to play—we must
be willing to receive the Holy Spirit, we
must be responsive to His control. Unless
that willingness is present in us, God's gift
will be in vain. The Christians to whom
John was writing had already opened their
hearts to receive God's gift."—S.D.A.
Bible
Commentary,
on 1 John 4:13.
3.
To whom do believers owe their
allegiance? Why? 1 Cor. 6:19, 20.
NOTE.—"We belong to God; we are His
sons and daughters,—His by creation, and
His by the gift of His only-begotten Son
for our redemption. 'Ye are not your own;
for ye are bought with a price: therefore
glorify God in your body, and in your
spirit, which are God's.' The mind, the
heart, the will, and the affections belong to
God; the money that we handle is the
Lord's. Every good that we receive and
enjoy is the result of divine benevolence.
God is the bountiful giver of all good, and
He desires that there shall be an acknowl-
edgment, on the part of the receiver, of
these gifts that provide for every necessity
of the body and the soul. God demands
only His own. The primary portion is the
Lord's, and must be used as His entrusted
treasure. The heart that is divested of
selfishness will awaken to a sense of God's
goodness and love, and be moved to a
hearty acknowledgment of His righteous
requirements."—Counsels
on Stewardship,
page 72.
[4
]
God's Right of Ownership
4.
Who is responsible for the ex-
istence of all things? Col. 1:16-18.
NOTE.—"The form of the verb in Greek
stresses an original organization and a con-
tinued maintenance of the organization.
The power that holds the far-flung orbs of
the universe on their appointed courses with
mathematical accuracy, the power that
holds the particles of the atom in their
predetermined orbits, is the same. By the
power of Christ all things cohere. Not only
did He bring them into being, He main-
tains them each moment."—S.D.A.
Bible
Commentary,
on Col. 1:17.
5.
What claim does God, as our
Creator, have upon us? Isa. 43:1.
NOTE.—"Of Christ's relation to His peo-
ple, there is a beautiful illustration in the
laws given to Israel. When through poverty
a Hebrew had been forced to part with
his patrimony, and to sell himself as a
bondservant, the duty of redeeming him
and his inheritance fell to the one who was
nearest of kin. . . . So the work of redeem-
ing us and our inheritance, lost through sin,
fell upon Him who is 'near of kin' unto
us. It was to redeem us that He became
our kinsman. Closer than father, mother,
brother, friend, or lover is the Lord our
Saviour. 'Fear not,' He says, 'for I have
redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy
name; thou art Mine.'
"—The Desire of
Ages,
page 327.
6.
What is God able to do for His
people? Jude 24, 25.
NOTE.—"Christ is coming with clouds and
with great glory. A multitude of shining
angels will attend Him. He will come to
raise the dead, and to change the living
saints from glory to glory. He will come
to honor those who have loved Him, and
kept His commandments, and to take them
to Himself. He has not forgotten them nor
His promise. There will be a relinking of
the family chain. When we look upon our
dead, we may think of the morning when
the trump of God shall sound, when 'the
dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we
shall be changed.' . . . A little longer, and
we shall see the King in His beauty. A lit-
tle longer, and He will wipe all tears from
our eyes. A little longer, and He will pre-
sent us 'faultless before the presence of His
glory with exceeding joy.'
"—The Desire of
Ages,
page 632.
7.
What is God's great purpose for
those whom He has created anew in
Christ Jesus? Eph. 2:10.
NOTE.—"Of himself man cannot bring
forth good works. It is necessary for him to
be spiritually re-created in Christ before
he can produce the good works God pur-
poses he shall bring forth. By a change of
the will, affections, and purposes the privi-
lege and duty of witnessing by good works
become possible (Matt. 5:14-16)."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
on Eph. 2:10.
The Believer's Obligation
8.
How will believers live when
motivated by love for Christ? 2 Cor.
5:14, 15.
NOTE.—"The emphasis here is the com-
plete reorientation of the life from self to
God. The new life bears witness to the
transforming power of the Holy Spirit. The
heart's warmest affections and best ener-
gies are given to Christ, in the small things
of life as well as in the great. The life
brings forth the fruits of the Spirit (Gal.
5:22, 23) and reflects the soul's delight in
doing the will of God (Ps. 1:2; 119:97).
Love to God and to one's fellowmen be-
comes life's controlling motive, and the
glory of God is the end of all thought and
action. Such a life becomes more and more
sensitive to sin, more conscious of its own
need, and more ready to depend upon the
grace of Christ."—S.D.A.
Bible Commen-
tary,
on 2 Cor. 5:15.
9.
What change must be wrought
in the believer? Rom. 12:2.
[11
NOTE.—"Just as a good tree will bear
good fruit, so will the tree that is actually
planted in the Lord's garden produce good
fruit unto eternal life. Besetting sins are
overcome; evil thoughts are not allowed
in the mind; evil habits are purged from
the soul temple. The tendencies which have
been biased in a wrong direction are
turned in a right direction. Wrong disposi-
tions and feelings are changed, new princi-
ples of action supplied, and there is a new
standard of character. Holy tempers and
sanctified emotions are now the fruit borne
upon the Christian tree. An entire trans-
formation has taken place. This is the work
to be wrought."—Ellen G. White Com-
ments,
S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
Vol. 6,
p. 1080.
10.
What simple outward acts give
evidence of a changed life? Matt.
10:42.
NOTE.—"Men act out the true character
of the heart. There are about us those who
have a meek and lowly spirit, the spirit of
Christ, who do many little things to help
those around them, and who think nothing
of it; they will be astonishd at last to find
that Christ has noticed the kind word
spoken to the disheartened, and taken ac-
count of the smallest gift given for the re-
lief of the poor, that cost the giver some
self-denial. The Lord measures the spirit,
and rewards accordingly, and the pure,
humble, childlike spirit of love makes the
offering precious in His
sight."—Counsels
on Stewardship,
page 340.
11.
How specific will be the final
judgment? Eccl. 12:14.
NOTE.—"Many conceal their transgres-
sions from their fellowmen, and flatter
themselves that God will not be strict to
mark iniquity. But His law is the great
standard of right, and with it every act of
life must be compared in that day when
God shall bring every work into judgment,
with every secret thing, whether it be good
or evil. Purity of heart will lead to purity
of life. All excuses for sin are vain. Who
can plead for the sinner when God testifies
against him?"— Ellen G. White Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
Vol. 2, p. 997.
The Spirit of the Believer
12.
In order truly to follow the
Lord, what must the believer do
daily? Luke 9:23.
NOTE.—"Hear what God says: 'If any
man will come after Me, let him deny him-
self, and take up his cross daily, and follow
Me.' The yoke and the cross are symbols
representing the same thing,—the giving up
of the will to God. Wearing the yoke unites
finite man in companionship with the
dearly beloved Son of God. Lifting the
cross cuts away self from the soul, and
places man where he learns how to bear
Christ's burdens. We cannot follow Christ
without wearing His yoke, without lifting
the cross and bearing it after Him. If our
will is not in accord with the divine re-
quirements, we are to deny our inclinations,
give up our darling desires, and step in
Christ's footsteps."—Ellen G. White Com-
ments,
S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
Vol. 5,
pp. 1090, 1091.
13.
What did Christ notice about
the almsgiving of the worshipers in
His day? Mark 12:41-44; Matt. 6:2, 3.
14.
What does God require of a
steward? 1 Cor. 4:1, 2.
NoTE.—"In stewardship, the matter of
supreme importance is faithfulness. Man
has absolute ownership of nothing at all in
this world, not even his physical and men-
tal strength, for 'all the abilities which men
possess belong to God' (5T 277). He is a
created being, and as such he belongs to
his Creator. He is also a redeemed being,
purchased by the blood of Christ (see Acts
20:28) ; therefore in a double sense man is
not his own. . . . The true believer in
Christ will seek constantly to glorify God in
his management of the things placed in his
care, whether they be physical, mental, or
spiritual. He will recognize that he is not
free to use his goods or his talents for the
satisfaction of the natural desires and am-
bitions of his own heart."—S.D.A.
Bible
Commentary,
on 1 Cor. 4:1.
Lesson 2, for July 8, 1967
Christian Worship Acknowledges Stewardship
MEMORY VERSE:
"For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your
body, and in your spirit, which are God's." 1 Cor. 6:20.
STUDY HELPS:
"S.D.A. Bible Commentary"; "Counsels on Stewardship," pages 171-
180.
STUDY AIM:
To recognize more distinctly the supremacy, Lordship, and ownership
of God and a sense of partnership between man and God.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Recognizing a Partnership
1.
God provides for His followers.
Matt. 6:31-33.
2.
The completeness of God's owner-
ship. Ps. 24:1.
3.
Apostle Paul's conviction regarding
life. Phil. 1:21.
II.
Stewardship Is Recognized in
Worship
4.
In Christ we are not our own.
1 Cor. 6:20.
5.
The Apostle's own recognition of
God's ownership. Acts 27:23, 24.
6.
Acknowledgment that ownership
demands worship. Rev. 14:7.
7. Sacrificial spirit manifested in
early church. Acts 4:32.
III. The Spirit of Giving,
a Part of Worship
8. After conversion true worship de-
mands offering. 2 Cor. 8:1-5.
9. A spiritual life reflects a spiritual
commitment. Gal. 5:24, 25.
10. The consequences when gratitude
is not expressed. Rom. 1:21-24.
11. "It is more blessed to give than to
receive." Acts 20:35.
IV. God Desires Our Partnership
12. God's presence in the sanctuary
fellowship. Ex. 25:8.
13. In New Testament times.
Heb. 10:24, 25.
14. The strength of God's people.
Isa. 30:15.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"To the humble, believing soul, the house
of God on earth is the gate of heaven.
The song of praise, the prayer, the words
spoken by Christ's representatives, are
God's appointed agencies to prepare a peo-
ple for the church above, for that loftier
worship into which there can enter nothing
that defileth.
"From the sacredness which was at-
tached to the earthly sanctuary, Chris-
tians may learn how they should regard
the place where the Lord meets with His
people. There has been a great change, not
for the better, but for the worse, in the
habits and customs of the people in refer-
ence to religious worship. . . . The rever-
ence which the people had anciently for
the sanctuary where they met with God in
sacred service has largely passed away.
Nevertheless, God Himself gave the order
of His service, exalting it high above
everything of a temporal nature. . .
"Nothing that is sacred, nothing that
pertains to the worship of God, should be
treated with carelessness or indifference."-
Testimonies,
Vol. 5, p. 491.
Recognizing a Partnership
1. What assurance does Jesus offer
to those who enter into partnership
with Him? Matt. 6:31-33.
[
71
NOTE.—"The great purpose in man's ex-
istence is that he 'should seek the Lord, if
haply' he 'might feel after Him, and find
Him' (Acts 17:27)
.
Most men are engrossed
in laboring 'for the meat which perisheth'
(John 6:27), for the water for which, when
he drinks, he will thirst again (John 4:13).
Most men 'spend money for that which is
not bread' and 'labor for that which satis-
fieth not' (Isa. 55:2). Too often we are
prone to make 'all these [material] things'
the main object of our search in life, in the
vain hope that God will be indulgent with
us, and, at the close of life's journey, add to
our brief span of threescore and ten years
the eternal kingdom. Christ would have us
make first things first, and assures us that
things of lesser importance and value will
be supplied to each according to his need."
—S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
on Matt. 6:33.
2.
How inclusive is God's claim to
ownership? Ps. 24:1.
3.
Whom did the apostle Paul rec-
ognize as making life worthwhile?
Phil. 1:21.
NorE.—"The one who stands nearest to
Christ will be he who on earth has drunk
most deeply of the spirit of His self-sacri-
ficing love,—love that `vaunteth not itself,
is not puffed up, . . . seeketh not her own,
is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil'
(1 Cor. 13:4, 5),—love that moves the
disciple, as it moved our Lord, to give all,
to live and labor and sacrifice, even unto
death, for the saving of humanity. This
spirit was made manifest in the life of
Paul."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 549.
Stewardship Is Recognized
in Worship
4.
Since the Christian belongs to
Christ, what is his sacred responsi-
bility? 1 Cor. 6:20.
NoTE.—"If God has blessed us with pros-
perity, it is not that our time and attention
should be diverted from Him and given to
that which He has lent us. The giver is
greater than the gift. We have been bought
with a price, we are not our own. Have we
forgotten that infinite price paid for our
redemption? Is gratitude dead in the heart?
Does not the cross of Christ put to shame
a life of selfish ease and indulgence?"—
Counsels on Stewardship,
pages 20, 21.
5.
At a time of great danger, how
did Paul acknowledge that he be-
longed to Gcd, and what message of
assurance came to him? Acts 27:23, 24.
NOTE.—"Religion is a personal thing, a
personal consecration, worship, and service
given to a personal God. To the fearful
heathen on the doomed vessel with him,
Paul brings a ringing testimony. He knows
the God who is about to intervene on be-
half of those aboard the ship, for He be-
longs to Paul and Paul to Him in the
mutual fellowship of service. Paul had taken
upon himself the yoke of service and had
become intimately acquainted with his di-
vine yokefellow (see Matt. 11:28-30; cf.
Rom. 1:9; 2 Tim. 1:3,
12)."—S.D.A. Bible
Commentary,
on Acts 27:23.
6.
For what response does the first
angel's message call? Rev. 14:7.
NOTE.—"The Creator of the universe is
the true and only object of worship. No
man, no angel, is worthy of worship. This
is the prerogative of God only. Creator-
ship is one of the distinguishing features of
the true God in contrast with false deities
(Jer. 10:11, 12). The appeal to worship
God as Creator has become especially
timely in the years following the initial
preaching of the first angel's message, be-
cause of the rapid spread of the theory of
evolution. Furthermore, the call to worship
the God of heaven as Creator of all things
implies that due heed be given to the sign
of God's creative works—the Sabbath of
the Lord (see on Ex. 20:8-11). If the
Sabbath had been kept as God intended, it
would have served as a great safeguard
against infidelity and evolution (see Acts
14:15; PP 336)."—S.D.A.
Bible Commen-
tary,
on Rev. 14:7.
[ 8 ]
7.
What sacrificial spirit was mani-
fested in the early church? Acts 4:32.
NOTE.—"When we have entire, whole-
hearted consecration to the service of
Christ, God will recognize the fact by an
outpouring of His Spirit without measure;
but this will not be while the largest por-
tion of the church are not laborers together
with
God."—Evangelism,
page 699.
The Spirit of Giving, a Part
of Worship
8.
What followed the experience of
conversion in the churches of Mace-
donia? 2 Cor. 8:1-5.
NOTE.—"The willingness to sacrifice on
the part of the Macedonian believers came
as a result of wholehearted consecration.
Moved by the Spirit of God, they 'first gave
their own selves to the Lord' (2 Cor. 8:5) ;
then they were willing to give freely of
their means for the support of the gospel.
It was not necessary to urge them to give;
rather, they rejoiced in the privilege of
denying themselves even of necessary things
in order to supply the needs of others.
When the apostle would have restrained
them, they importuned him to accept their
offering. In their simplicity and integrity,
and in their love for the brethren, they
gladly denied self, and thus abounded in
the fruit of benevolence."—Counsels
on
Stewardship,
page 172.
9.
What is the result of living in
the Spirit? Gal. 5:24, 25.
NOTE.—"While dead to some things, Paul
was very much alive to others. He was
as active after conversion as he was be-
fore, for the life of a Christian is not one
of inactivity. Jesus spoke of this new life
as a more abundant life (see John 10:10).
Since Jesus is the source of life, there can
be no true appreciation of life apart from
Him."—S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
on Gal.
2:20.
10.
What is the result of failure to
respond to the call of God? Rom. 1:
21-24.
NOTE.—"In their folly men had ex-
changed the worship of God for that of
images. Instead of looking up to a Being
clothed with majesty and power, they
bowed down to reptiles and beasts. They
exchanged a glorious object of worship
for that which was degrading and humiliat-
ing (see Ps. 106:20; Jer. 2:11). Man was
appointed the lord of the animal creation
(Ps. 8:6-8), and he degrades himself by
worshiping the creatures God made to serve
him (cf. Hosea
8:6)."—S.D.A. Bible Com-
mentary,
on Rom. 1:23.
11.
What did Jesus say about giv-
ing? Acts 20:35.
NOTE.—"The blessing is a two-way bene-
diction. The receiver is blessed or made
happy whether the need is spiritual or
physical. But the greater blessing is upon
the giver. There is a joy in sharing. The
giver is drawn away from his own interests,
gives play to the better part of his nature,
and receives the approval of God (Matt.
25:34-40)."—S.D
.A. Bible Commentary,
on
Acts 20:35.
God Desires Our Partnership
12.
For what purpose was Israel to
build a sanctuary? Ex. 25:8.
NOTE.—"We all lose much sweet com-
munion with God by our restlessness, by
not encouraging moments of reflection and
prayer. The spiritual condition needs to be
often reviewed and the mind and heart
drawn toward the Sun of Righteousness. If
when the people come into the house of
worship, they have genuine reverence for
the Lord and bear in mind that they are
in His presence, there will be a sweet elo-
quence in
silence."—Testimonies,
Vol.
5,
p. 492.
13.
Why does the church need to
gather for worship? Heb. 10:24, 25.
EEO
NOTE.
-"Nothing
is more needed in our
work than the practical results of com-
munion with God. We should show by our
daily lives that we have peace and rest in
the Saviour. His peace in the heart will
shine forth in the countenance. It will give
to the voice a persuasive power. Commu-
nion with God will ennoble the character
and the life. Men will take knowledge of us,
as of the first disciples, that we have been
with Jesus. This will impart to the worker
a power that nothing else can give. Of this
power he must not allow himself to be de-
prived."-The
Ministry of Healing,
page
512.
14. Wherein lies the strength of
God's people? Isa.
30:15.
NOTE.
-"When
every other voice is
hushed, and in quietness we wait before
Him, the silence of the soul makes more
distinct the voice of God. He bids us, 'Be
still, and know that I am God.' Ps. 46:10.
Here alone can true rest be found. And
this is the effectual preparation for all labor
for
God."-The Desire of Ages,
page 363.
Lesson 3, for July 15, 1967
The Church, a Steward of God's Grace
MEMORY VERSE:
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the
name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to
observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you
alway, even unto the end of the world." Matt. 28:19, 20.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Acts of the Apostles," pages 25-34; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary";
"Testimonies," Vol. 5, pp. 272-279.
STUDY AIM:
To find our area of individual responsibility for carrying out Christ's
commission to preach the gospel to the world.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
1. Christ Commissions His Church
1.
"Go .. . teach all nations."
Matt. 28:19, 20.
2.
"Ye shall be witnesses." Acts 1:8.
3.
"Then shall the end come."
Matt. 24:14.
II. Christ's Delegated Responsibility
4.
Christ, the Chief Shepherd.
1 Peter 5:4.
5.
The responsibility of the "under-
shepherds." Acts 20:28.
6.
The gospel to all peoples.
Acts 26:15-18.
7.
Consequences of unfaithfulness.
Ezek. 33:8.
III. The Church Endowed With a
Great Trust
8.
The Word of God must
be
preached. Rom. 10:13-15.
9.
The church is the recipient
of
Christ's love. Eph. 5:25-27.
10.
The church is to labor with Christ.
1 Cor. 3:9-11.
11.
The church, a steward of the
mysteries of God. 1 Cor. 4:1, 2.
IV. The Church Triumphant
12.
The inheritance of the victorious
church. John 10:28; Heb. 11:39, 40.
13.
Worship in the new earth.
Isa. 66:22, 23.
14.
The plan of salvation completed.
1 John 3:2 ; Rev. 21:4.
10
THE LESSON
Introduction
"Christ designs that heaven's order,
heaven's plan of government, heaven's di-
vine harmony, shall be represented in His
church on earth. Thus in His people He
is glorified. Through them the Sun of
Righteousness will shine in undimmed luster
to the world. Christ has given to His church
ample facilities, that He may receive a large
revenue of glory from His redeemed, pur-
chased possession. He has bestowed upon
His people capabilities and blessings that
they may represent His own sufficiency. The
church, endowed with the righteousness of
Christ, is His depositary, in which the riches
of His mercy, His grace, and His love, are
to appear in full and final display."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 680.
Christ Commissions His Church
1.
What solemn commission did
Christ give to His church? Matt. 28:
19, 20.
NOTE.—"The disciples were to carry their
work forward in Christ's name. Their every
word and act was to fasten attention on
His name, as possessing that vital power by
which sinners may be saved. Their faith
was to center in Him who is the source of
mercy and power. In His name they were
to present their petitions to the Father, and
they would receive answer. They were to
baptize in the name of the Father, the Son,
and the Holy Spirit. Christ's name was to
be their watchword, their badge of dis-
tinction, their bond of union, the authority
for their course of action, and the source
of their success."—The
Acts of the Apos-
tles,
page 28.
2.
What work did Christ remind
the disciples to do after His ascension?
Acts 1:8.
NOTE.—"Before ascending
to
heaven,
Christ gave His disciples their commission.
He told them that they were to be the ex-
ecutors of the will in which He bequeathed
to the world the treasures of eternal life.
You have been witnesses of My life of sac-
rifice in behalf of the world, He said to
them. You have seen My labors for Israel.
And although My people would not come
to Me that they might have life, although
priests and rulers have done unto Me as
they listed, although they have rejected
Me, they shall have still another oppor-
tunity of accepting the Son of God."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
page 27.
3.
When will the preaching of the
gospel come to a close? Matt. 24:14.
NOTE.—"Long has God waited for the
spirit of service to take possession of the
whole church so that everyone shall be
working for Him according to his ability.
When the members of the church of God
do their appointed work in the needy fields
at home and abroad, in fulfillment of the
gospel commission, the whole world will
soon be warned and the Lord Jesus will
return to this earth with power and great
glory."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
page 111.
Christ's Delegated Responsibility
4.
What position of highest honor
is ascribed to Christ? 1 Peter 5:4.
NOTE.—"Jesus knows us individually,
and is touched with the feeling of our in-
firmities. He knows us all by name. He
knows the very house in which we live,
the name of each occupant. He has at
times given directions to His servants to
go to a certain street in a certain city, to
such a house, to find one of His sheep."—
The Desire of Ages,
page 479.
5.
What solemn responsibility rests
upon overseers of the flock? Acts
20:28.
NOTE.—
"
The church, soon to enter upon
her most severe conflict, will be the object
most dear to God upon earth. The con-
federacy of evil will be stirred with power
from beneath, and Satan will cast all the
reproach possible upon the chosen ones
whom he cannot deceive and delude with
his satanic inventions and falsehoods. But
exalted 'to be a prince and a Saviour, for
to give repentance to Israel, and remission
of sins,' will Christ, our representative and
head, close His heart, or withdraw His
hand, or falsify His promise? No; never,
never."—Testimonies to Ministers,
page 20.
6.
What did Paul's preaching ac-
complish for his hearers? Acts 26:
15-18.
NOTE.—"Paul often mentions sanctifica-
tion, the process of character transforma-
tion through which the saints must go. To
instantaneous freedom from the guilt of
sin, through justification . . . it adds a re-
peated and continuous dedication of the
mind and the life to the goal of perfection
in Christ. It is the 'work . . . of a lifetime.'
As all Christians must, Paul was experienc-
ing a continuing dedication, proceeding
from victory to victory in Christ."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
on Acts 26:18.
7.
If the watchman is unfaithful in
his responsibility, what will God do?
Ezek. 33:8.
NOTE.—"The position of those who have
been called of God to labor in word and
doctrine for the upbuilding of His church,
is one of grave responsibility. In Christ's
stead they are to beseech men and women
to be reconciled to God, and they can ful-
fill their mission only as they receive
wisdom and power from above."—The
Acts
of the Apostles,
page 360.
The Church Endowed With
a Great Trust
8.
What special task does God give
to His church? Rom. 10:13-15.
9.
What standard has Christ set for
the church? Eph. 5:25-27.
NOTE.—"There must be deep, faithful
searching of heart. The light, frivolous
spirit indulged by so many professed
Christians must be put away. There is ear-
nest warfare before all who would subdue
the evil tendencies that strive for the mas-
tery. The work of preparation is an individ-
ual work. We are not saved in groups. The
purity and devotion of one will not offset
the want of these qualities in another.
Though all nations are to pass in judgment
before God, yet He will examine the case
of each individual with as close and search-
ing scrutiny as if there were not another
being upon the earth. Everyone must be
tested and found without spot or wrinkle
or any such thing."—The
Great Contro-
versy,
page 490.
10.
With whom is the church
united in her labor and witnessing?
1 Cor. 3:9-11.
11.
What are the followers of
Christ called? With what are they
charged? 1 Cor. 4:1, 2.
NoTe.—"The quality of dependability is
one of the most valuable assets a man can
have. It is highly esteemed by God. Failure
in this respect means failure to qualify for
eternal life (see Luke 16:10-12; COL 356).
Only those will receive an inheritance in the
new earth who can be relied upon by God
under all circumstances. We prove ourselves
faithful stewards by continually seeking to
glorify God in all the details of our lives."
—S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
on 1 Cor. 4:2.
The Church Triumphant
12.
What is to be the final inheri-
tance of the victorious church? John
10:28; Heb. 11:39, 40.
NOTE.—"God foresaw the end from the
beginning. He knew that in future ages
there would be other galaxies of faithful
men and women, youth and children. In
His infinite wisdom He ordained that the
faithful of all ages should enter upon the
eternal inheritance together."—S.D.A
Bible
Commentary,
on Heb. 11:40.
r 12 I
13. What great privilege at last
awaits the redeemed? Isa. 66:22, 23.
NOTE.-
"So
long as the heavens and the
earth endure, the Sabbath will continue as
a sign of the Creator's power. And when
Eden shall bloom on earth again, God's
holy rest day will be honored by all be-
neath the sun. 'From one Sabbath to an-
other' the inhabitants of the glorified new
earth shall go up 'to worship before Me,
saith the Lord.'
"-The Desire of Ages,
page
283.
14. How complete is this glorious
triumph to be? 1 John 3:2; Rev. 21:4.
Lesson 4, for July 22, 1967
The Christian, a Steward of Faith
MEMORY VERSE:
"For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this
is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." 1 John 5:4.
STUDY HELPS:
"S.D.A. Bible Commentary"; "The Acts of the Apostles," pages 231-
242, 357, 358, 529, 530; "Steps to Christ," chapter, "Faith and Acceptance."
STUDY AIM:
To understand how a Christian who demonstrates his faith gives
evidence of the truth of God in his life.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. A Faith to Share
1.
The Christian shares his faith.
Rom. 1:11, 12.
2.
The just shall live by faith.
Rom. 1:17.
3.
The secret of bearing fruit.
2 Peter 1:8-11.
4.
The weapons of the Christian are
invincible. 2 Cor. 10:4.
5.
The importance of walking in the
light. John 12:35.
II. Our Faith Strengthens. Others
6. The Source of all comfort.
2 Cor. 1:4.
7.
Partakers of Christ. Heb. 3:14.
8.
The importance of faith. Heb. 11:6.
9.
Faith that is meaningful.
James 2:20, 26.
10.
Holding fast under trial. Rom.
5:3-5.
11.
Paul's earnest counsel to Timothy.
2 Tim. 1:5, 6.
Ill. The Reward for Faithfulness
12.
The results of enduring trial.
1 Peter 1:7.
13.
Christ's penetrating question.
Luke 18:8.
14.
The victory of the saints.
Rev. 12:11.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"Heavenly intelligences are waiting to co-
operate with human instrumentalities, that
they may reveal to the world what human
beings may become, and what, through
union with the Divine, may be accomplished
for the saving of souls that are ready to
perish. There is no limit to the usefulness
of one who, putting self aside, makes room
for the working of the Holy Spirit upon
his heart and lives a life wholly consecrated
to God. All who consecrate body, soul, and
spirit to His service will be constantly re-
[131
ceiving a new endowment of physical, men-
tal, and spiritual power. The inexhaustible
supplies of heaven are at their command.
Christ gives them the breath of His own
Spirit, the life of His own life. The Holy
Spirit puts forth its highest energies to
work in mind and heart. Through the grace
given us we may achieve victories that be-
cause of our own erroneous and precon-
ceived opinions, our defects of character,
our smallness of faith, have seemed im-
possible."—The
Ministry of Healing,
page
159.
A Faith to Share
1.
Why did the apostle Paul long
to be with the believers in Rome?
Rom. 1:11, 12.
NOTE.—"The experienced apostle joins
himself with the believers at Rome as
needing to be no less encouraged by their
faith than they by his. Christian perfection
is not to be found in seclusion or in isolation
from others. It is developed as the faith of
Christians is encouraged and stimulated by
that of their fellow believers."—S.D.A.
Bi-
ble Commentary,
on Rom. 1:12.
2.
In what way shall the just live?
Rom. 1:17.
NOTE.—"The just man will not live by
reliance on his own works and merit but
by confidence and faith in God. . . . Paul
is trying to show that it is by faith alone
that a man can be righteous before God.
Only the person who by faith is righteous
shall
live."—S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
on
Rom. 1:17.
3.
What does a faithful Christian
life produce? 2 Peter 1:8-11.
NoTE.—"Christ is able to save to the ut-
termost all who come to Him in faith. He
will cleanse them from all defilement if
they will let Him. But if they cling to
their sins, they cannot possibly be saved;
for Christ's righteousness covers no sin un-
repented of. God has declared that those
who receive Christ as their Redeemer, ac-
cepting Him as the One who takes away all
sin, will receive pardon for their trans-
gressions. These are the terms of our elec-
tion. Man's salvation depends upon his
receiving Christ by faith. Those who will
not receive Him lose eternal life because
they refused to avail themselves of the only
means provided by the Father and the Son
for the salvation of a perishing world."—
Ellen G. White Comments,
S.D.A. Bible
Commentary,
Vol. 7, p. 931.
4.
What are the "weapons of our
warfare" able to do? 2 Cor. 10:4.
5.
Why is it important always to
walk in light? John 12:35.
NOTE.—"I state truth. The souls who
love God, who believe in Christ, and who
eagerly grasp every ray of light, will see
light, and rejoice in the truth. They will
communicate the light. They will grow in
holiness. Those who receive the Holy
Spirit will feel the chilling atmosphere that
surrounds the souls of others by whom
these great and solemn realities are un-
appreciated and spoken against. They feel
that they are in the council of the ungodly,
of men who stand in the way of sinners,
and sit in the seat of the scornful.
"The Word of God speaketh t,ruth, not
a lie. In it is nothing strained, nothing ex-
treme, nothing overdone. We are to accept
it as the word of the living
God."—Testi-
monies to Ministers,
page 90.
Our Faith Strengthens Others
6.
As a result of God's comfort in
times of trial, what is the Christian
able to do? 2 Cor. 1:4.
I\ToTE.—"More is included
in
this term
than mere consolation in sorrow or in trou-
ble. It includes all that a loving heavenly
Father can do for His earthborn children.
. . . To the Christian, tribulation plays an
important role in the perfection of char-
[ 14 ]
acter. . . .
By themselves, suffering and
tribulation have no power to make men
Christlike. In fact, they make many men
morose and bitter. But God sanctifies trib-
ulation, and those who find in Him grace
and strength to endure have solved one of
the great problems of life. . . . Compare the
experience and example of Paul himself.
. . . It is much more difficult to believe in
God in the midst of luxury, worldly com-
fort, and ease. In the providence of God,
tribulation and sorrow can lead us closer
to Him. Should men not therefore praise
Him for tribulation and let it be a stepping-
stone to the kingdom of God
?"—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
on 2 Cor. 1:4.
7.
On what condition may we be-
come partakers of Christ? Heb. 3:14.
8.
What must one believe who
comes to God? Heb. 11:6.
9.
What makes faith practicable
and meaningful? James 2:20, 26.
NOTE.—"When we speak of faith, there
is a distinction that should be borne in
mind. There is a kind of belief that is
wholly distinct from faith. The existence
and power of God, the truth of His Word,
are facts that even Satan and his hosts can-
not at heart deny. The Bible says that 'the
devils also believe, and tremble,' but this
is not faith. . . . Where there is not only a
belief in God's Word, but a submission of
the will to Him; where the heart is yielded
to Him, the affections fixed upon Him,
there is faith—faith that works by love
and purifies the soul. Through this faith the
heart is renewed in the image of God."—
Steps to Christ,
page 63.
10.
What fruitage in the life is
developed under trial? Rom. 5:3-5.
NOTE.—"No greater evidence need be
asked that a person is at a great distance
from Jesus, and living in neglect of secret
prayer, neglecting personal piety, than the
fact that he thus talks doubts and unbelief
because his surroundings are not favorable.
Such persons have not the pure, true, un-
defiled religion of Christ. They have a
spurious article which the refining process
will utterly consume as dross. As soon as
God proves them, and tests their faith, they
waver, they stand feebly, swaying first one
way, then the other. They have not the
genuine article that Paul possessed, that
could glory in tribulation because 'tribu-
lation worketh patience; and patience, ex-
perience; and experience, hope: and hope
maketh not ashamed; because the love of
God is shed abroad in our hearts.' They
have a religion of circumstance."—Testi-
monies,
Vol. 2, pp. 514, 515.
11.
Of what did Paul remind Tim-
othy? 2 Tim. 1:5, 6.
The Reward for Faithfulness
12.
What rewards await those who
endure the trials of their faith? 1 Pe-
ter 1:7.
NOTE.—"The season of distress and an-
guish before us will require a faith that
can endure weariness, delay, and hunger—
a faith that will not faint tho.ugh severely
tried. The period of probation is granted to
all to prepare for that time. Jacob pre-
vailed because he was persevering and
determined. His victory is an evidence of
the power of importunate prayer. All who
will lay hold of God's promises, as he did,
and be as earnest and persevering as he
was, will succeed as he succeeded. Those
who are unwilling to deny self, to agonize
before God, to pray long and earnestly for
His blessing, will not obtain it. Wrestling
with God—how few know what it is! How
few have ever had their souls drawn out
after God with intensity of desire until
every power is on the stretch. When waves
of despair which no language can express
sweep over the suppliant, how few cling
with unyielding faith to the promises of
God."—The
Great Controversy,
page 621.
13.
What penetrating question did
Jesus ask concerning the time pre-
ceding His coming? Luke 18:8.
E 15 ]
14. To what degree do the saints
give themselves to God at last? Rev.
12:11.
NoTE.-"We become overcomers by help-
ing others to overcome, by the blood of
the Lamb and the word of our testimony.
The keeping of the commandments of God
will yield in us an obedient spirit, and the
service that is the offspring of such a
spirit, God can accept."-Ellen G. White
Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
Vol.
7, p. 974.
Lesson 5, for July 29, 1967
The Stewardship of Prayer
MEMORY VERSE:
"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit,
and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints."
Eph. 6:18.
STUDY HELPS:
"Steps
to Christ," chapter, "The Privilege of Prayer"; "S.D.A. Bible
Commentary"; "The Ministery of Healing," pages 225-233.
STUDY AIM:
To recognize the ways in which Christian believers are stewards of
the fellowship of prayer.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I.
Our Stewardship of Prayer
1.
The magnificent example of Jesus.
John 17:9, 20.
2.
Prayer for others-a Christian duty.
Matt. 5:44.
3.
The example of Abraham.
Gen. 19:29.
4.
The prayer of faith delivered Peter.
Acts 12:5.
II. Prayer for One Another
5.
Prayer for the sick. James 5:15, 16.
6.
The Christian will be alert in
prayer. Luke 12:35-37; 1 Peter
4:7.
7.
Prayer for the messengers of God.
Eph. 6:18, 19.
8.
Prayer for civil leaders. 1 Tim.
2:1, 2.
9.
Prayer for the coming of the Lord.
Matt. 6:10.
III. Worship as a Part of Stewardship
10.
The church exhorted to public
worship. Heb. 10:25.
11.
God's house to be one of prayer
for all peoples. Matt. 21:12-16.
12.
God's view of the bearers of His
promises. Isa. 52:7.
13.
The life of the redeemed is approved
of God. Mal. 3:16, 17.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"If we take counsel with our doubts and
fears, or try to solve everything that we
-
nnot see clearly, before we have faith,
perplexities will only increase and deepen.
But if we come to God, feeling helpless and
dependent, as we really are, and in humble,
trusting faith make known our wants to
Him whose knowledge is infinite, who sees
everything in creation, and who governs
everything by His will and word, He can
and will attend to our cry, and will let
light shine into our hearts. Through sincere
prayer we are brought into connection with
the mind of the Infinite."-Steps
to Christ,
pages 96, 97.
[ 16 ]
Our Stewardship of Prayer
1.
In His intercessory prayer, for
whom did Jesus especially pray?
John 17:9, 20.
NOTE.—"By partaking of the Spirit of
God, conforming to the law of God, man
becomes a partaker of the divine nature.
Christ brings His disciples into a living
union with Himself and with the Father.
Through the working of the Holy Spirit
upon the human mind, man is made com-
plete in Christ Jesus. Unity with Christ
establishes a bond of unity with one an-
other."—Ellen G. White Comments,
S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
Vol. 5, p. 1148.
2.
What injunction did Jesus give
regarding the Christian's prayers for
his enemies? Matt. 5:44.
NoTE.—"We are brought into sympathy
with Christ through the fellowship of His
sufferings. Every act of self-sacrifice for the
good of others strengthens the spirit of
beneficence in the giver's heart, allying him
more closely to the Redeemer of the world,
who 'was rich, yet for your sakes . . . be-
came poor, that ye through His poverty
might be rich.' 2 Corinthians 8:9. And it
is only as we thus fulfill the divine purpose
in our creation that life can be a blessing
to
us."—Steps to Christ,
pages 79, 80.
3.
When Sodom was destroyed,
whose prayers were remembered?
Gen. 19:29. Compare Gen. 18:16-33.
NoTE.—"Unable to save the cities for
which Abraham had pleaded, the Lord nev-
ertheless rewarded his intercessory prayer
by sparing those who were willing to
leave. For Abraham's sake, as here stated,
salvation was offered to the family of Lot."
—S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
on Gen. 19:29.
4.
What brought about the deliv-
erance of Peter from prison? Acts
12:5.
NoTE.—A praying church and Peter's res-
ignation to the purpose of God made his
deliverance possible. "The apostle was not
intimidated by the situation. Since his re-
instatement after his denial of Christ, he
had unflinchingly braved danger, and had
shown a noble courage and boldness in
preaching a crucified, risen, and ascended
Saviour. As he lay in his cell he called to
mind the words that Christ had spoken to
him: 'Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When
thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and
walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when
thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth
thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and
carry thee whither thou wouldest not.'
Peter believed that the time had come for
him to yield up his life for Christ's sake."—
Ellen G. White Comments,
S.D.A. Bible
Commentary,
Vol. 6, p. 1061.
Prayer for One Another
5.
What should Christians do in be-
half of the sick? James 5:15, 16.
NOTE.—"When we have prayed for the
recovery of the sick, whatever the outcome
of the case, let us not lose faith in God. If
we are called upon to meet bereavement,
let us accept the bitter cup, remembering
that a Father's hand holds it to our lips.
But should health be restored, it should
not be forgotten that the recipient of heal-
ing mercy is placed under renewed obliga-
tion to the Creator."—The
Ministry of
Healing,
page 233.
6.
What will the sincere, earnest
believer be doing at the coming of
Christ? Luke 12:35-37; 1 Peter 4:7.
NoTE.—"Watchfulness is the keynote of
of this brief parable. Here for the first time
Jesus teaches publicly concerning His sec-
ond coming. The close of His earthly min-
istry is already in sight. He therefore
sought to prepare men for His ascension
and return in power and glory."—S.D.21.
Bible Commentary,
on Luke 12:35.
7.
For what did Paul especially ask
his converts to pray? Eph. 6:18, 19.
17
NOTE.—"This touching reference by the
valiant warrior to his own need reveals
his humility and his reliance on others for
understanding and support. He needed in-
tercessory prayer for himself, and often
expressed that need (Rom. 15:30; 2 Cor.
1:11; Phil. 1:19; Col. 4:3;
etc.) ."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
on Eph. 6:19.
8.
What is the Christian's duty in
regard to civil authorities? 1 Tim.
2:1, 2.
NOTE.—"The requirements of government
may at times be contrary to the law of
God, and under such circumstances the
Christian is 'to obey God rather than men'
(Acts 4:19; 5:29). Paul's point is that the
ruling power of human governments is en-
trusted to men by God, according to His
own purposes for man's welfare. Their con-
tinuance in power, or their fall from au-
thority, is in His hands. Therefore, the
Christian will support the authority of the
existing state. He will not presume to take
it into his own hands to resist or to de-
pose 'the powers that be.'
"—S.D .A. Bible
Commentary,
on Rom. 13:1.
9.
For what great event are we
bidden to pray? Matt. 6:10.
NOTE.—"Throughout the ages the prom-
ise that the kingdoms of this world would
eventually become the kingdom of our Lord
Jesus Christ (Rev. 11:15) has spurred the
citizens of the kingdom of grace to holy
living (1 John 3:2, 3) and to self-sacrifice
in the proclamation of the good news of
the kingdom. . . . In the minds and hearts
of true Christians in all ages 'that blessed
hope, and the glorious appearing of the
great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ'
. . . has ever been uppermost and has in-
spired them to holier living."—S.D.A.
Bible
Commentary,
on Matt. 6:10.
Worship as a Part of Stewardship
10.
What are the members of the
church exhorted to do without fail?
Why? Heb. 10:25.
Nox8.—"Those who are firmly established
in the faith should never forget that some
of their fellow believers, whose opportunity
for the development of Christian character
may have been less favorable, may be pass-
ing through doubt and discouragement. 'A
word in season to him that is weary' (Isa.
50:4) may be the means, in God's provi-
dence, of converting a 'sinner from the
error of his way,' of saving his 'soul from
death,' and of hiding 'a multitude of sins'
(James 5:20). . . .
"As trouble, difficulty, and persecution
should increase, mutual exhortation and en-
couragement would prove to be of even
greater benefit. The danger to personal
safety that might be incurred by attend-
ing public worship would be far out-
weighed by the courage and strength that
result from Christian fellowship."—S.D
A.
Bible Commentary,
on Heb. 10:25.
11.
For whom is the house of
prayer established? Matt. 21:12-16.
Compare Isa. 56:7.
NOTE.—"As Jesus set about healing those
who now flocked to Him in the Temple
courts, He gave a practical demonstration
of the truth that the Temple had been or-
dained of God to serve man's need, not his
greed. It seems that for a brief time Jesus
was in complete control of the Temple . .
and during that time demonstrated, in part,
how these sacred precincts should be used.
He had come to earth that men 'might have
life, and that they might have it more
abundantly'; . . . not that they might sac-
rifice more abundantly or make profits more
abundantly."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
on Matt. 21:14.
12.
In what beautiful language does
God describe the faithful labors of
His people? Isa. 52:7.
NOTE.—"There is no more joyous mes-
sage than that of deliverance and peace. To
the Jews under an alien yoke nothing could
bring greater rejoicing than assurance that
the hour of deliverance was at hand. Paul
applies these words of Isaiah to the proc-
lamation of the gospel message (Rom. 10:
[181.
15). The deliverance here foretold was,
first, that of literal Israel from the nations
that oppressed them, . . . and then the
greater deliverance from sin and all evil
through the suffering Servant."-S.D
.A. Bi-
ble Commentary,
on Isa. 52:7.
13. Because of faithful stewardship
in prayer, what will finally be the re-
ward of God's people? Mal. 3:16, 17.
Lesson 6, for August 5, 1967
The Stewardship of the Word of God
MEMORY VERSE:
"Neither have I gone back from the commandment of His lips;
I
have esteemed the words of His mouth more than my necessary food."
Job 23:12.
STUDY HELPS:
"S.D.A. Bible Commentary"; "Christ's Object Lessons," chapter,
"Things New and Old"; "S.D.A. Bible Dictionary."
STUDY AIM:
To seek a deepening of our experience as stewards, of God's Word.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Christ, the Word
1.
The Word is Christ.
John 1:14; Rev. 19:13 (last part).
2.
The life of the world depends upon
the Word of God. John 6:32, 33.
3.
Jesus is the life-giving Bread.
John 6:35, 48, 50, 51.
4.
The words of eternal life are in
Christ. John 6:68.
II.
The Christian's Responsibility
to the Word
5. Paul urgently charged Timothy on
this matter. 2 Tim. 4:1, 2.
6.
Christ Himself encouraged a study
of that Word. John 5:39.
7.
John testified of this fellowship
through the Word. 1 John 1:1-3.
8.
Only through the Word are be-
lievers cleansed. John 15:3.
9.
The "seed is the Word of God."
Luke 8:11.
III. Christians Charged to Preserve
the Word of Life
10.
The Scriptures offer hope of per-
fection. 2 Tim. 3:16, 17.
11.
The life of sanctification is de-
pendent upon truth. John 17:17.
12.
The believer will appreciate the
Word of God. Job 23:12.
13.
Faithful keeping of God's Word
brings a blessing. Luke 11:28.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"God speaks to us in His Word. Here we
have in clearer lines the revelation of His
character, of His dealings with men, and
the great work of redemption. Here is
open before us the history of patriarchs and
prophets and other holy men of old. They
were men 'subject to like passions as
we
are.' James 5:17. We see how they Etrug-
gled through discouragements like our own,
how they fell under temptation as we have
done, and yet took heart again and con-
quered through the grace of God; and, be-
holding, we are encouraged in our striving
after righteousness. As we read of the pre-
cious experiences granted them, of the light
and love and b!essing it was theirs to enjoy,
and of the work they wrought through the
grace given them, the spirit that inspired
[
191
them kindles a flame of holy emulation in
our hearts and a desire to be like them in
character—like them to walk with God."—
Steps to Christ,
pages 87, 88.
Christ, the Word
1.
By what title did John the rev-
elator refer to our Lord? John 1:14;
Rev. 19:13 (last part).
NOTE.—"The Word of God must be in-
terwoven with the living character of those
who believe it. The only vital faith is that
faith which receives and assimilates the
truth till it is a part of the being and the
motive power of the life and action. Jesus
is called the Word of God. He accepted
His Father's law,, wrought out its princi-
ples in His life, manifested its spirit, and
showed its beneficent power in the heart.
Says John: 'The Word was made flesh, and
dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory,
the glory as of the Only Begotten of the
Father,) full of grace and truth.' The fol-
lowers of Christ must be partakers of His
experience. They must assimilate the Word
of God. They must be changed into its
likeness by the power of Christ and reflect
the divine attributes."—Testimonies, Vol.
5, p. 576.
2.
On what does the world depend
for eternal life? John 6:32, 33.
NoTE.—"Let all bear in mind that the tree
of life bears twelve manner of fruits. This
represents the spiritual work of our earthly
missions. The Word of God is to us the
tree of life. Every portion of the Scripture
has its use. In every part of the Word is
some lesson to be learned. Then learn how
to study your Bibles. This book is not a
heap of odds and ends. It is an educator.
Your own thoughts must be called into
exercise before you can be really benefited
by Bible study. Spiritual sinew and muscle
must be brought to bear upon the Word.
The Holy Spirit will bring to remembrance
the words of Christ. He will enlighten the
mind, and guide the research."—Ellen G.
White Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Commen-
tary,
Vol. 7, p. 989.
3.
What does Jesus plainly declare
Himself to be? John 6:35, 48, 50, 51.
NOTE.—"Christ is the source of our life,
the source of immortality. He is the tree of
life, and to all who come to Him He gives
spiritual life."—Ellen G. White Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
Vol. 7, p. 989.
4.
Who did Peter say has the words
of life? John 6:68.
NoTE.—"Although Peter doubtless did
not yet comprehend fully the spiritual
nature of Christ's kingdom, nevertheless his
declaration here shows that he had begun
to have insight into the fact that the words
Jesus had spoken were indeed the key to
eternal spiritual life."—S.D.A.
Bible Com-
mentary,
on John 6:68.
The Christian's Responsibility
to the Word
5.
What earnest charge did the
apostle Paul give to Timothy? 2 Tim.
4:1, 2.
NOTE.—"The expression 'preach the
Word' suggests content designed to aid men
and women in meeting temptation and in
solving life's problems day by day. This
command bars all levity, all fanciful inter-
pretations based on inaccurate exegesis, and
all trifling subjects. The Holy Spirit will
cooperate with the minister's efforts only
when truth is being communicated. As a
'herald' for God the minister must preach
nothing but the Word, otherwise he is an
impostor. . . .
"When ministers today realize their mis-
sion as living links between the infinite
sufficiency of God and the needs of men,
their messages will consist only of the pure
Bread of Life. . . . Their sermons will be
constructed in such a way that their hearers
will not only be pleased with the presenta-
tion but will also be constrained to re-
member the principle of truth set forth.
The genuine Word will build new habits
[ 20 1
and create new aspirations and hopes."—
S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
on 2 Tim. 4:2.
6.
What did Jesus say about the
Scriptures to those of His time? John
5:39.
NOTE.—"In the Word the Saviour is re-
vealed in all His beauty and loveliness.
Every soul will find comfort and consola-
tion in the Bible, which is full of promises
concerning what God will do for the one
who comes into right relation to Him. Es-
pecially will the sick be comforted by hear-
ing the Word; for in giving the Scriptures
God has given to mankind a leaf from the
tree of life, which is for the healing of the
nations. ow can anyone who reads the
Scriptures or who has heard them read, lose
his interest in heavenly things, and find
pleasure in amusements and enchantments
of the world?—Ellen G. White Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
Vol. 5., pp. 1134,
1135.
7.
What basis did John offer for
his faith? 1 John 1:1-3.
NoTE.—"The Christian becomes a con-
necting link between heaven and earth.
With one hand he lays hold on his knowl-
edge of God through Christ, and with the
other he takes hold of those who know
not God, thus providing a living link be-
tween the Father and His wayward chil-
dren."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
on 1
John 1:3.
8.
What did Jesus say cleansed His
disciples? John 15:3.
NOTE.—"The fact that the contemporaries
of Jesus had heard from Him the truth
concerning His identity and mission left
them without excuse. They could not claim
ignorance as to the requirements for salva-
tion. If they had not heard the truth, they
would not have been held responsible. . . .
Thus it is with those who hear the Word
of God today. Great is the responsibility
placed by God upon the hearers! They
may ridicule and even despise sermons,
but they will find to their sorrow at last
that they must give an account of what
they have done in view of what they have
heard."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
on
John 12:48.
9.
To what did Jesus liken God's
Word? Luke 8:11.
NOTE.—"The Word of God is the seed.
Every seed has in itself a germinating prin-
ciple. In it the life of the plant is enfolded.
So there is life in God's Word. Christ says,
`The words that I speak unto you, they are
spirit, and they are life.' . . . 'He that
heareth My word, and believeth on Him
that sent Me, hath everlasting life.' . .
In every command and in every promise of
the Word of God is the power, the very
life of God, by which the command may be
fulfilled and the promise realized. He who
by faith receives the Word is receiving the
very life and character of
God."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
page 38.
Christians Charged to
Preserve the Word of Life
10.
What are the. Scriptures de-
signed to do for the man of God?
2 Tim. 3:16, 17.
NOTE.—"Here Paul states why the Bible
makes a man 'wise unto salvation': . . . it
is the very thought of God communicated
to men. . . . The vitality of the Scriptures
is due to the life breathed into them by
God Himself. The endurance of their charm
and their adequacy to satisfy every need of
man testifies to their divine authorship."—
S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
on 2 Tim. 3:16.
11.
How is sanctification brought
about? John 17:17.
12.
How highly did the patriarch
Job regard the Word of God? Job
23:12.
21
13. What does God bestow upon
the faithful steward of His Word?
Luke 11:28.
NOTE.
-"Christ said, 'Blessed are they
that hear the Word of God, and keep it.'
The Bread of life alone can satisfy the
hungering soul. The Water of life alone
will quench the thirst of the thirsty soul.
The minds of the disciples were often ex-
cited by curiosity, but instead of gratifying
their desire to know things which were
not necessary for the proper conduct of
their work, he opened new channels of
thought to their minds. He gave them much
needed instruction upon practical
godli-
ness."-Fundamentals of Christian Educa-
tion,
page 339.
Lesson 7, for August 12, 1967
The Stewardship of Influence
MEMORY VERSE:
"Ye are our
epistle written in our hearts,
known and read of all
men." 2 Cor. 3:2.
STUDY HELPS:
"S.D.A. Bible Commentary"; "Christ's Object Lessons," pages 339-
342 (1923 ed., pp. 343-345).
STUDY AIM:
To discover what the Bible has to say about the Christian's respon-
sibility for his influence.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Christian Responsibility
1.
A question inherent in human
relationships. Gen. 4:9.
2.
"Who is my neighbor?" Luke
10:29-37.
3.
A basic law of Christian responsi-
bility. Rom. 13:8, 9.
4.
Man judged by the fruits of his life.
Matt. 16:27.
II. Christianity in Life
5.
The life of the Christian, an open
letter. 2 Cor. 3:2-4.
6.
Christian life likened to Roman
arena. 1 Cor. 4:9.
7.
The new birth automatically carries
with it solemn responsibilities of
members one to another. Eph.
4:24, 25.
8. Christians to be living manifesta-
tion of the truth. 2 Cor. 4:4-6.
III. Christian Applications
9. Pure religion defined. James 1:27.
10. Church leaders to be men com-
manding respect. Titus 2:7, 8.
11. Paul recognized the value of his
influence. 1 Cor. 10:23, 24.
12. A specific instance of how our
example affects others. 1 Cor.
8:13.
IV. Rewards That Endure
13. The fruitage of Naomi's faithful
life. Ruth 1:14-17.
14. The works of the righteous out-
live them. Matt. 25:34.
THE LESSON
Introduction
embodiment of firm, decided, righteous
principles, will be a living power upon his
"The world has a right to know just associates; and he will influence others by
what may be expected from every intelli- his Christianity. Many do not discern and
gent human being. He who is a living appreciate how great is the influence of
[ 22 ]
each one for good or evil. Every student
should.understand that the principles which
he adopts become a living, molding influence
upon character. He who accepts Christ as his
personal Saviour, will love Jesus, and all for
whom Christ has died; for Christ will be
in him a well of water springing up unto
everlasting life. He will surrender himself
without reservation to the rule of Christ."
—Messages to Young People,
page 29.
Christian Responsibility
1.
What penetrating question did
Cain ask of God? Gen.
4:9.
2.
How did Jesus answer the law-
yer's question, "Who is my neigh-
bor?" Luke 10:29-37.
NOTE.—"It is this work lying nearest
us that the Lord now calls upon the church
to undertake. We are not to stand, saying:
`Who is my neighbor ?' We arc to remember
that our neighbor is the one who most
needs our sympathy and help. Our neighbor
is every soul who is wounded and bruised
by the adversary. Our neighbor is everyone
who is the property of God. In Christ the
distinctions made by the Jews as to who
was their neighbor are swept away. There
are no territorial lines, no artificial distinc-
tions, no caste, no aristocracy."—Testimo-
nies, Vol. 6, p. 294.
3.
How did the apostle Paul sum
up the responsibility of mutual hu-
man relationships? Rom. 13:8, 9.
NOTE.—"The first four of the Ten Com-
mandments are summed up in the one great
precept, 'Thou shalt love the Lord thy God
with all thy heart.' The last six are included
in the other, 'Thou shalt love thy neighbor
as thyself.' Both these commandments are
an expression of the principle of love. The
first cannot be kept and the second broken,
nor can the second be kept while the first
is broken. When God has His rightful place
on the throne of the heart, the right place
will be given to our neighbor. We shall
love him as ourselves. And only as we love
God supremely is it possible to love our
neighbor impartially.
"And since all the commandments are
summed up in love to God and man, it
follows that not one precept can be broken
without violating this principle. Thus Christ
taught His hearers that the law of God
is not so many separate precepts, some of
which are of great importance, while others
are of small importance and may with im-
punity be ignored. Our Lord presents the
first four and the last six commandments
as a divine whole, and teaches that love
to God will be shown by obedience to all
His commandments."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 607.
4.
By what principle will God re-
ward men in the judgment? Matt.
16:27.
Christianity in Life
5.
To what is the Christian likened?
2 Cor.
3:2-4.
NOTE.—"The world has need of more
legible Christians. The language of a Christ-
like life is intended for all mankind. Only
thus can men comprehend what Christianity
means, understand its great truths, and
learn to love and obey God's
law."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
on 2 Cor. 3:3.
6.
How extensively is the influence
of the believer witnessed or attested
to? 1 Cor. 4:9.
NOTE.—"God's servants who witness
faithfully for Him become centers of in-
terest for inhabitants of this little world
and of heaven. . . . This whole world of
ours is a stage on which the conflict be-
tween sin and righteousness, truth and
error, is being carried on before an in-
tensely interested audience composed of the
inhabitants of the universe. . . . It is the
duty of every believer to let the light of
truth be seen by all with whom he comes
in contact. If Christians realized that the
eyes of the universe are focused upon
123
them, there would be a revival of the faith-
ful witnessing that characterized the lives
of the apostles."—S.D.A.
Bible Commen-
tary,
on 1 Cor. 4:9.
7.
What responsibility automati-
cally accompanies the new birth?
Eph. 4:24, 25.
NOTE.—"Deceit brings its own disinte-
gration of soul to the deceiver, often hurt-
ing him more than the deceived. How
can those who are followers of the One
who is the truth do anything else but hold
to the utmost integrity in all things? In
the life of the Christian there is no place
for taking advantage of another in a busi-
ness transaction, for the coloring of stories
told, for the conveying of false impressions
by innuendo, for the making of promises
without the intention of keeping them, for
the relaying of rumors and gossip."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
on Eph. 4:25.
8.
What did Paul declare the Chris-
tian would give to the world? 2 Cor.
4:4-6.
NOTE.—"As the spoken word of God
brought light to a dark world, the living
Word, as set forth in the written Word,
commands the light of heaven to shine into
darkened souls. It is beyond the power,
skill, and wisdom of man to produce such
light."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary, on
2
Cor. 4:6.
Christian Applications
9.
How practical did James make
religion? James 1:27.
NOTE.—"True religion teaches us to do
everything as if we were in the presence of
God. Furthermore, God knows the motives
as well as the actions. . . . Even the per-
formance of the good works here mentioned
is not evidence of 'pure religion and un-
defiled' unless the works are prompted by
right motives. Many give to charity only
to enhance their standing in the eyes of
their fellowmen, or perhaps with their
eyes only upon their income tax deduc-
tions."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
on
James
1:27.
10.
What qualities should charac-
terize church leaders? Titus 2:7, 8.
NorE.—"False teachings, like the nos-
trums of medical quacks, do not cure the
disease, and often complicate it. Paul thus
reminds Titus that his opponents will
closely observe both his life and his words
in order to find something against him.
If Titus, however, takes care to speak
precisely, carefully, and prayerfully, his op-
ponents will be put to shame. They will be
left without a basis for the criticisms they
hope to make."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
on Titus 2:8.
11.
What rule did Paul lay down
to safeguard his personal influence?
1 Cor. 10:23, 24.
NOTE.—"Although a Christian is law-
fully entitled to do everything that is not
out of harmony with the will of God, there
are times when it would not be profitable
for him to do certain things, nor would it
serve to 'bring together,' or unite in the
belief of the truth, others who might ob-
serve the behavior of the Christian. The
believer must consider how to behave so
that he will help others in their efforts to
live aright. If his 'lawful' behavior would
place a stumbling block in another's way,
then he should refrain from the course that
perplexes his brother. . . . The welfare of
others, rather than one's own convenience,
must dictate what the Christian does, if
he is to do all things
well."—S.D.A. Bible
Commentary,
on 1 Cor. 10:23.
12.
What specific example did the
apostle Paul give regarding the pres-
ervation of his influence? 1 Cor. 8:13.
NOTE.—"Flesh foods were particularly
involved in sacrifices to idols. Paul was
willing to do without food that he might
lawfully have eaten, rather than lay a stum-
bling block in a weak brother's way. Lib-
[ 24 ]
erty is valuable, but the weakness of a
fellow human being should induce believers
to waive their liberty in his interest. Love
for one's neighbors is to be the guiding
principle in such matters. Surely the grati-
fication of one's desires is of much less
importance than the salvation of the weak
brother who may stumble over one's ex-
ercise of liberty. This principle is applicable
to many phases of living, such as recrea-
tion, dress, music—in fact, it applies to
life in general. The denial of self for the
good of others is a prominent feature of the
experience of a genuine follower of Jesus.
... This principle is the essence of the spirit
of Jesus, in whose earthly life it was con-
stantly. manifest."—S.D.A.
Bible Commen-
tary,
on 1 Cor. 8:13.
Rewards That Endure
13. What beautiful and tender Old
Testament experience shows the pow-
erful influence of a godly life? Ruth
1:14-17.
NoTE.—"It is not merely that Ruth's love
for her mother-in-law leads her to cleave
to Naomi. Ruth has discovered that it is
Naomi's faith that makes her a wonderful
woman. Ruth resolutely makes her decision
for the true God: Thy people shall be my
people, and thy God my God.' No more
sublime affirmation of love and devotion is
to be found anywhere in literature. . . .
"Ruth's only knowlege of the true God
was what she had seen of Him reflected in
Naomi and the other members of Naomi's
family. It is ever thus that God reveals
Himself to men—by demonstration of the
power of His love operating in the lives of
erstwhile sinners. The transforming power
of divine love is the best argument in favor
of the truth. Without it our profession is
no better than 'sounding brass, or a tin-
kling cymbal.'
"—S.D.A. Bible Commen-
tary,
on Ruth 1:16.
14. What supreme reward awaits the
righteous and faithful child of God?
Matt. 25:34.
Lesson 8, for August 19, 1967
Stewardship in the Home
MEMORY VERSE:
"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old,
he will not depart from it." Prov. 22:6.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Adventist Home," pages 105-120, 282-302; "The Ministry of
Healing,"
pages 349-355, 388-394; "S. D.A.
Bible Commentary."
STUDY AIM:
To understand better the principle of stewardship in the homelife of
the Christian.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Stewardship of Husband and Wife
1.
God gave Adam a companion.
Gen. 2:18.
2.
The husband and his measured
responsibilities. Eph. 5:25, 28,
29, 31.
3.
The husband-wife relationship
illustrated. Eph. 5:21-24.
4.
The believer and the unbelieving
spouse. 1 Cor. 7:13, 16.
5.
Marriage is a lifetime partnership.
Rom. 7:2.
II. The Responsible Parental Steward-
ship
6.
The husband's responsibility for
his household. 1 Tim. 5:8.
7.
Parents not to antagonize their
children. Eph. 6:4.
[ 25 1
8.
Parents responsible for the train-
ing of their children. Prov. 22:6.
9.
Christ's high regard for children.
Matt. 18:6, 10, 14.
III. Children's Responsibility
Toward Their Parents
10.
"The first commandment with
promise." Eph. 6:2, 3.
11.
Children's responsibility for their
parents' welfare. Matt. 15:3-6.
12.
Avoid evil associations. 2 Tim.
2:22; 1 Cor. 15:33; Eph. 4:29.
13.
The obedient child. Eph. 6:1.
14.
A sure sign of the end of the
world. 2 Tim. 3:1, 2.
THE LESSON
2.
What fundamental responsibili-
ties rest upon the husband and father?
Eph. 5:25, 28, 29, 31.
Introduction
"One well-ordered, well-disciplined fam-
ily tells more in behalf of Christianity than
all the sermons that can be preached. Such
a family gives evidence that the parents
have been successful in following God's
directions, and that their children will
serve Him in the church. Their influence
grows; for as they impart, they receive to
impart again. The father and mother find
helpers in their children, who give to others
the instruction received in the home. The
neighborhood in which they live is helped,
for in it they have become enriched for
time and for eternity. The whole family is
engaged in the service of the Master; and
by their godly example, others are inspired
to be faithful and true to God in dealing
with His flock, His beautiful flock."—The
Adventist Home,
page 32.
Stewardship of Husband and Wife
1. Why did God provide a com-
panion for Adam? Gen. 2:18.
NoTE.—"God celebrated the first mar-
riage. Thus the institution has for its
originator the Creator of the universe.
`Marriage is honorable'; . . . it was one of
the first gifts of God to man, and it is
one of the two institutions that, after the
Fall, Adam brought with him beyond the
gates of Paradise. When the divine prin-
ciples are recognized and obeyed in this
relation, marriage is a blessing; it guards
the purity and happiness of the race, it
provides for man's social needs, it elevates
the physical, the intellectual, and the
moral
nature."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 46,
NOTE.—"The response of the husband to
the wife's submission is not to give a com-
mand, but to love. That immediately makes
a partnership out of what otherwise would
be a dictatorship. A true husband never
utters rude commands. His love will find
expression in a variety of ways. It will be
given in words of understanding and af-
fection. The husband will properly provide
for the wife's temporal support; . . . he
will do everything possible to assure her
happiness; . . . he will give her every
honor (1 Peter
3:7)."—S.D.A. Bible Com-
mentary,
on Eph. 5:25.
3.
How did Paul illustrate the mar-
riage relationship? Eph. 5:21-24.
NoTE.—"The ethics of Christian relation-
ships within the family are clear when once
it is seen that difference and subordination
do not in any sense imply inferiority. The
submission enjoined upon the wife is of the
kind that can be given only between equals,
not a servile obedience, but a voluntary
submission in the respects in which the
man was qualified by his Maker to be
head."—S.D
.A. Bible Commentary,
on Eph.
5:22.
"What characterizes the subjection of the
church to Christ? Willingness, confidence,
faith, love. The servitude of love is a most
pleasant experience; 'My burden is light,'
says the Head of the church (Matt, 11:30)."
—Ibid.,
on Eph. 5:24,
[26
1
4.
What should be the attitude of
the believer toward the unbelieving
spouse? 1 Cor. 7:13-16. Compare 1 Pe-
ter 3:1, 7.
NOTE.—"There might be instances in
which. a non-Christian wife would be so
antagonistic to the gospel, and so violent
in her opposition, that she would not wish
to live with her Christian husband. In
such cases the husband could not prevent
the separation. If, on the contrary, the un-
believing wife desired to remain with her
believing husband, he is not at liberty to
seek a separation. The marriage vow is
sacred, and cannot be set aside by any
change in the religious beliefs of either
party. The only effect of the conversion of
one party should be to make him or her
more tender, kind, loving, and loyal than
before. A marriage to an unbeliever is to
be regarded as binding on a believer so
long as the unbeliever does not voluntarily
separate himself from his believing com-
panion and enter into another marriage."—
S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
on 1 Cor. 7:12.
5.
How permanent does God de-
sign the marriage partnership to be?
Rom. 7:2.
The Responsible Parental
Stewardship
6.
What special responsibility rests
on the husband and father? 1 Tim. 5:8.
NOTE.—"The husband and father is the
head of the household. The wife looks to
him for love and sympathy and for aid in
the training of the children; and this is
right. The children are his as well as hers,
and he is equally interested in their wel-
fare. The children look to the father for
support and guidance; he needs to have a
right conception of life and of the influences
and associations that should surround his
family; above all, he should be controlled
by the love and fear of God and by the
teaching
of His Word, that he may
guide
the feet of his children in the right way....
"The father should do his part toward
making home happy. Whatever his cares
and business perplexities, they should not
be permitted to overshadow his family;
he should enter his home with smiles and
pleasant words."—The
Adventist Home,
pages 211, 212.
7.
How are parents to deal with
their children? Eph. 6:
4
.
NOTE.—"While we are not to indulge
blind affection, neither are we to manifest
undue severity. Children cannot be brought
to the Lord by force. They can be led, but
not driven. 'My sheep hear My voice, and
I know them
'
and they follow Me,' Christ
declares. He did not say, My sheep hear
My voice and are forced into the path of
obedience. In the government of children
love must be shown. Never should parents
cause their children pain by harshness or
unreasonable exactions. Harshness drives
souls into Satan's
net."—The Adventist
Home,
pages 307, 308.
8.
What specific duty to children
is enjoined upon parents? Prov. 22:6.
NOTE.—"Every Christian home should
have rules; and parents should, in their
words and in their deportment toward
each other, give to the children a precious
living example of what they desire them
to be. . . . Teach the children and youth to
respect themselves, to be true to God, true
to principle; teach them to respect and
obey the law of God. Then these principles
will control their lives and will be carried
out in their association with others."—The
Adventist Home,
page 305.
9.
What consideration for children
did Jesus manifest? Matt. 18:6, 10, 14.
NOTE.—"Children derive life and being
from their parents, and yet it is through
the creative power of God that your chil-
[ 27 1
dren have life, for God is the Life-giver.
Let, it be remembered that children are not
to be treated as though they were our own
personal property. Children are the heritage
of the Lord, and the plan of redemption
includes their salvation as well as ours. They
have been entrusted to parents in order
that they might be brought up in the nur-
ture and admonition of the Lord, that they
might be qualified to do their work in
time and eternity."—The
Adventist Home,
page 280.
Children's Responsibility
Toward Their Parents
10.
What is "the first command-
ment with promise"? Eph. 6:2, 3.
NoTE.—"Honor thy father and thy
mother: that thy days may be long upon
the land which the Lord thy God giveth
thee.' This is the first commandment with
promise. It is binding upon childhood and
youth, upon the middle-aged and the aged.
There is no period in life when children
are excused from honoring their parents.
This solemn obligation is binding upon
every son and daughter, and is one of the
conditions to their prolonging their lives
upon the land which the Lord will give the
faithful. This is not a subject unworthy of
notice, but a matter of vital importance.
The promise is upon condition of obedience.
If you obey you shall live long in the land
which the Lord your God gives you. If you
disobey you shall not prolong your life in
that
land."—Testimonies,
Vol. 2, pp. 80, 81.
11.
What did Jesus say about the
people of His day who avoided their
responsibility? Matt. 15:3-6.
NOTE.—"They set aside the fifth com-
mandment as of no consequence, but were
very exact in carrying out the traditions
of the elders. They taught the people that
the devotion of their property to the temple
was a duty more sacred than even the
support of their parents; and that, how-
ever great the necessity, it was sacrilege
to impart to father or mother any part of
what had been thus consecrated. An un-
dutiful child had only to pronounce the
word `Corban' over his property, thus de-
voting it to God, r.nd he could retain it
for his own use during his lifetime, and
after his death it was to be appropriated to
the temple service. Thus he was at liberty,
both in life and in death, to dishonor and
defraud his parents, under cover of a pre-
tended devotion to God."—The
Desire of
Ages,
pages 396, 397.
12.
What warnings given by Paul
have special value for the young?
2 Tim. 2:22; 1 Cor. 15:33; Eph. 4:29.
NOTE.—"Nothing can more effectually
prevent or banish serious impressions and
good desires than association with vain,
careless, and corrupt-minded persons. What-
ever attractions such persons may possess
by their wit, sarcasm, and fun, the fact
that they treat religion with levity and in-
difference is sufficient reason why they
should not be associated with. The more
engaging they are in other respects, the
more should their influence be dreaded as
companions, because they throw around
an irreligious life so many dangerous at-
tractions."—Testimonies,
Vol. 3, p. 126.
13.
Why should children obey their
parents? Eph. 6:1.
NOTE.—"Children who dishonor and dis-
obey their parents, and disregard their
advice and instructions, can have no part in
the earth made new. The purified new
earth will be no place for the rebellious,
the disobedient, the ungrateful, son or
daughter. Unless such learn obedience and
submission here, they will never learn it ;
the peace of the ransomed will not be
marred by disobedient, unruly, unsubmis-
sive children. No commandment-breaker
can inherit the kingdom of heaven."—
Testimonies,
Vol. 1, IT. 497, 498.
14.
What is one of the signs that
the end is near? 2 Tim. 3:1, 2.
[ 28 ]
Lesson 9, for August 26, 1967
Christian Stewardship of Talents
MEMORY VERSE:
"His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful
servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over
many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord." Matt. 25:21.
STUDY HELPS:
"Counsels on Stewardship," pages 114-122; "Christ's Object Les-
sons," chapter, "Talents"; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary."
STUDY AIM:
To understand better the Christian's responsibility for the use of
God's gifts.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. The Gifts and Talents Bestowed
by the Holy Spirit
1.
The parable of the talents.
Matt. 25:14, 15.
2.
The gifts of the Spirit. Eph. 4:
11,
12 ; 1 Cor. 12:8-10.
3.
Gifts of the Spirit distributed as
He wills. 1 Cor. 12:11; Matt. 25:15.
4.
Faithful and unfaithful servants.
Matt. 25:16-19.
5.
Stewards must put the Lord's goods
to use. Matt. 25:27; Rom. 12:6-8.
II. Talents of Natural Endowment
6. The parable applied to natural
talents.
7.
All man's capabilities come from
God. Acts 17:24, 25.
8.
Man with one talent not excused
from using it. Matt. 25:24-28.
9.
Talents put to use are multiplied.
Matt. 25:16, 17.
III. Time of Rewards and Punishments
10.
Rewards given at the coming of the
Master. Matt. 25:19.
11.
Unfaithful servants cast out with
sinners. Matt. 25:30.
12.
Faithful servants rewarded with
entrance into kingdom.
Matt. 25:21, 23, 28.
13.
Rewards are proportionate to
faithfulness. Luke 19:16-19.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"In the Lord's plan there is a diversity
in the distribution of talents. To one man
is given one talent, to another five, to an-
other ten. These talents are not bestowed
capriciously, but according to the ability
of the recipient.
"According to the talents bestowed will
be the returns called for. The heaviest
obligation rests upon him who has been
made a steward of the greatest abilities.
A man who has ten pounds is held respon-
sible for all that ten pounds would do if
used aright. He who has only ten pence is
accountable for only that amount. . . .
"It is the faithfulness with which the
endowment has been used that wins the
Lord's commendation. If we desire to be
acknowledged as good and faithful ser-
vants, we must do thorough, consecrated
work for the Master. He will reward dili-
gent, honest service. If men will put their
trust in Him, if they will recognize His
compassion and benevolence, and will walk
humbly before Him, He will cooperate
with them. He will increase their talents."—
Counsels on Stewardship,
page 116.
The Gifts
and
Talents
Bestowed by the Holy Spirit
1. By
what parable did Christ
illustrate the endowments that God
has entrusted to His people? Matt.
25:14, 15.
[291
NOTE.—"The talents that Christ entrusts
to His church represent especially the
gifts and blessings imparted by the Holy
Spirit. . .
"Not until through faith and prayer the
disciples had surrendered themselves fully
for His working was the outpouring of the
Spirit received. Then in a special sense the
goods of heaven were committed to the
followers of Christ. 'When He ascended up
on high, He led captivity captive, and gave
gifts unto men.'
"—Christ's Object Lessons,
page 327.
2.
How did the apostle Paul de-
scribe the gifts of the Spirit especially
granted to those who are to enter
God's service? Eph. 4:11, 12; 1 Cor.
12:8-10.
3.
On what basis are the gifts of
the Spirit distributed? 1 Cor. 12:11;
Matt. 25:15.
NOTE.—"To every man God has given
`according to his several ability.' The talents
are not apportioned capriciously, He who
has ability to use five talents receives five.
He who can improve but two, receives
two. He who can wisely use only one, re-
ceives one. None need lament that they have
not received larger gifts; for He who has
apportioned to every man is equally hon-
ored by the improvement of each trust,
whether it be great or small. The one to
whom five talents have been committed
is to render the improvement of five; he
who has but one, the improvement of one.
God expects returns 'according to that a
,man hath, and not according to that he
bath not.' 2 Cor.
8:12."—Christ's Object
Lessons,
page 328.
4.
What two classes of people are
described in the parable of the tal-
ents? Matt. 25:16-19.
5.
In the words of the master in
the parable, what is the responsibility
of the stewards of God's gifts? Matt.
25:27; Rom. 12:6-8.
Nor.—Romans 12:6, R.S.V., reads, "Hav-
ing gifts that differ according to the grace
given us, let us use them."
"The talents, however few, are to be
put to use. The question that most con-
cerns us is not, How much have I received?
but, What am I doing with that which I
have?"—Christ's Object Lessons,
page 329.
Talents of Natural Endowment
6.
What other application of the
parable of the talents may be made?
ANSWER:
"The special gifts of the Spirit
are not the only talents represented in the
parable. It includes all gifts and endow-
ments, whether original or acquired, nat-
ural or spiritual. All are to be employed in
Christ's
service."—Christ's Object Lessons,
page 328.
7.
What basic fact undergirds all
of man's talents and endowments?
Acts 17:24, 25.
NOTE.—Since all that man is and has
comes from God, it follows that he is but
a steward of God's gifts. And as a steward
he has a responsibility to use his Lord's
property so as to produce an increase. This
principle is the basis on which the spirit of
prophecy applies the parable of the talents
to the personal endowments of man. In
the chapter on the talents in
Christ's Object
Lessons,
are listed the following talents and
how they are to be used for God:
(a)
Mental Faculties.
"God requires the
training of the mental faculties. . . .
"The Lord desires us to obtain all the
education possible, with the object in view
of imparting our knowledge to others."—
Page 333.
(b)
Speech.
"The power of speech is a
talent that should be diligently cultivated."
—Page 335.
"Every Christian is called to make known
to others the unsearchable riches of Christ;
therefore he should seek for perfection in
speech."—Page 336.
(c)
Time.
"Our time belongs to God.
Every moment is His, and we are under
the most solemn obligation to improve it
to His glory. Of fio talent He has given will
[SO]
he require a more strict account than of
our time."—Page 342.
(d)
Health.
"Health is a blessing of which
few appreciate the value; yet upon it the
efficiency of our mental and physical powers
largely depends. . . .
"Anything that lessens physical strength
enfeebles the mind and makes it less ca-
pable of discriminating between right and
wrong. . . .
"The misuse of our physical powers
shortens the period of time in which our
lives can be used for the glory of God."—
Page 346.
(e)
Strength.
"We are to love God, not
only with all the heart, mind, and soul, but
with all .the strength. This covers the full,
intelligent use of the physical powers."—
Page 348.
(f)
Kindly Impulses and Affections.
"Kindly affections, generous impulses, and
a quick apprehension of spiritual things
are precious talents, and lay their possessor
under a weighty responsibility."—Page 352.
(g)
Social Advantages. •
,"Social advan-
tages are talents, and are to be used for
the benefit of all within reach of our in-
fluence."—Page 353.
8.
In the parable, why was not the
man with the one talent excused for
his neglect to
i
trade with the talent the
Lord had given him? Matt. 25:24-28.
NOTE.—"It was the one
-
the smallest
gift who left his talent, unimproved. In
this is given a warning to all who feet that
the smallness of their endoWments excuses
them from service for Christ. If they could
do some great thing, how • gladly would
they undertake it; but because they can
serve only in little things, they think them-
selves justified in doing nothing In this
they err. The Lord in His distribution of
gifts is testing character. The than who
neglected to improve his talent proved
himself an unfaithful servant. Had he re-
ceived five talents, he would have buried
them as he buried the one. His misuse of
the one talent showed that he despised the
gifts of
heaven."—Christ's Object Lessons,
page 355.
9.
In the parable, what happened to
the talents that were put to use? Matt.
25:16, 17.
NOTE.—"Talents used are talents multi-
plied. Success is not the result of chance
or destiny ; it is the outworking of God's
own providence, the reward of faith and
discretion, of virtue and persevering effort.
The Lord desires us to use every gift we
have; and if we do this, we shall have
greater gifts to use. He does not super-
naturally endow us with the qualifications
we lack; but while we use that which we
have, He will work with us to increase and
strengthen every faculty. By every whole-
hearted, earnest sacrifice for the Master's
service our powers will increase."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
pages 353, 354.
Time of Rewards and
Punishments
10.
What event brought about the
time of reckoning for the servants in
the parable? Matt. 25:19. Compare
Rev. 22:12.
NOTE.—"Our heavenly Father requires
no more nor less than He has given us
ability,,to do. .
"We shall inclfvidually be held responsi-
ble for doing one jot
-
less than we have
ability
,
to do..
-
The Lord measures with
exactness every possibility for service.. The
unused capabilities are as much brought
into account as are those that are improved.
For all that we might become through the
right use of our talents God holds us re-
sponsible. . . . Even if we do not lose our
souls, we shall realize in eternity the re-
sult of our unused talents. For all the
knowledge and ability that we might have
gained and did not, there will be an eternal
loss."—Christ's Object Lessons,
pages 362,
363.
11.
What was done with the un-
faithful servant? Matt. 25:30.
NOTE.—"Let none suppose that they can
live a life of selfishness, and then, having
served their own interests, enter into the
joy of their Lord. In the joy of unselfish
love they could not participate. They would
not be fitted for the heavenly courts. They
! 31
could not appreciate the pure atmosphere
of love that pervades heaven. . . .
"In the great judgment day those who
have not worked for Christ, those who
have drifted along, carrying no responsi-
bility, thinking of themselves, pleasing
themselves, will be placed by the Judge of
all the earth with those who did evil. They
receive the same condemnation."-Christ's
Object Lessons,
pages 364, 365.
12. How were the faithful servants
rewarded? Matt. 25:21, 23, 28.
NOTE.
-"Those
who have received the
five and the two talents return to the Lord
the entrusted gifts with their increase. In
doing this they claim no merit for them-
selves. . . . The capital was the Lord's; the
improvement is His...
"But when the Master receives the tal-
ents, He approves and rewards the workers
as though the merit were all their own."-
Christ's Object Lessons,
pages 360, 361.
13. In the parable of the pounds
recorded by Luke, what intimation
do we have that rewards will be pro-
portionate to the service rendered in
this life? Luke 19:16-19.
NOTE.
-"The
Lord has a great work to
be done, and He will bequeath the most
in the future life to those who do the most
faithful, willing service in the present life."
-Christ's Object Lessons,
page 330.
Lesson 10, for September 2, 1967
Stewardship in Service
MEMORY VERSE:
"He that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and
he that is chief, as he that doth serve." Luke 22:26.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 818-828; "The Acts of the Apostles,"
pages 25-34; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary."
STUDY AIM:
To discover the basic purpose for the existence of the church.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. To Give Is to Be Godlike
1.
God's love impels Him to give.
John 3:16.
2.
Christ also gave. Gal. 1:4.
3.
The completeness of Christ's gift.
2 Cor. 8:9.
4.
The measure of gospel giving.
Matt. 10:7, 8.
II. Summoned to a Worldwide Work
5.
Christ's mandate to His followers.
Mark 16:15.
6.
The universality of the charge.
Matt. 24:14.
7.
Each
is given talents for his work.
Matt.
25:15.
8. Result of denying our Lord.
Matt. 10:33.
III. God Requires Diligence
9.
The measure by which blessings
come. Luke 6:38.
10. Christ considers it done unto Him.
Matt. 25:40.
11. Good deeds will accompany faith.
James 2:15-17.
12. To be great one must be a servant.
Luke 22:25, 26.
IV. The Rewards of Soul Winning
13. The liberal soul is made fat.
Prov. 11:25.
14. Soul winners shall shine as the
stars. Dan. 12:3.
(
321
THE LESSON
Introduction
"In these final hours of probation for the
sons of men, when the fate of every soul is
so soon to be decided forever, the Lord of
heaven and earth expects His church to
arouse to action as never before. Those
who have been made free in Christ through
a knowledge of precious truth, are re-
garded by the Lord Jesus as His chosen
ones, favored above all other people on
the face of the earth; and He is counting
on them to show forth the praises of Him
who hath called them out of darkness into
marvelous light. The blessings which are so
liberally bestowed, are to be communicated
to others. The good news of salvation is
to go to every nation, kindred, tongue,
and
people."—Christian Service,
page 81.
To Give Is to Be Godlike
1.
What motive led God to give His
greatest gift to man? John 3:16.
NOTE.—"
'God so loved the- world, that
He gave His only-begotten Son.' He gave
Him not only to live among men, to bear
their sins, and die their sacrifice. He gave
Him to the fallen race. Christ was to
identify Himself with the interests and
needs of humanity. He who was one with
God has linked Himself with the children
of men by ties that are never to be broken.
Jesus is 'not
-
ashamed -to call them breth-
ren;' • .. He is our Sacrifice, our Advocate,
our Brother, bearing our human form before
the Father's throne, and through eternal
ages one with the race He has redeemed—
the Son of man. And all this that man
might be uplifted from the ruin and degra-
dation of sin, that he might reflect the
love of God and share the joy of holiness."
—Steps to Christ,
page 14.
2.
What was Christ's willing part
in the plan of salvation? Gal. 1:4.
NOTE.—"It was the burden of sin, the
sense of its terrible enormity, of its separa-
tion of the soul from God—it was this that
broke the heart of the Son of God."—
Steps to Christ,
page 13.
3.
To what degree of self•sacrifice
did the Saviour go in order to save
us? 2 Cor. 8:9.
NOTE.—"But He stepped still lower; the
Man must humble Himself as a man to
bear insult, reproach, shameful accusations,
and abuse. There seemed to be no safe
place for Him in His own territory. He
had to flee from place to place for His
life. He was betrayed by one of His dis-
ciples; He was denied by one of His most
zealous followers. He was mocked. He was
crowned with a crown of thorns. He was
scourged. He was forced to bear the bur-
den of the cross. He was not insensible to
this contempt and ignominy. He submitted,
but, oh! He felt the bitterness as no other
being could feel it. He was pure, holy, and
undefiled, yet arraigned as a criminal! The
adorable Redeemer stepped down from the
highest exaltation. Step by step He humbled
Himself to die—but what a death! It was
the most shameful, the most cruel—the
death upon the cross as a malefactor. He
did not die as a hero in the eyes of the
world, loaded with honors, as men in bat-
tle. He died as a condemned criminal, sus-
pended between the heavens and the earth
—died a lingering death of shame, exposed
to the tauntings and revilings of a debased,
crime-loaded, profligate multitude !"—E1-
len G. White Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Com-
mentary,
Vol. 5, p. 1127.
4.
What principle should control
and direct the life of the child of
God? Matt. 10:7, 8.
Summoned to a Worldwide Work
5.
What clear and undeniable man-
date did Jesus give to His followers?
Mark 16:15.
NOTE.—"The most intelligent, the most
spiritually minded, can bestow only as they
receive. Of themselves they can supply
nothing for the needs of the soul. We can
impart only that which we receive from
[ 33
Christ; and we can receive only as we
impart to others. As we continue impart-
ing, we continue to receive; and the more
we impart, the more we shall receive. Thus
we may be constantly believing, trusting,
receiving, and imparting."—The
Desire of
Ages,
page 370.
6.
To what extent was the charge
of Christ to be carried out by His
followers? Matt. 24:14.
NOTE.—"Long has God waited for the
spirit of service to take possession of the
whole church so that everyone shall be
working for Him according to his ability.
When the members of the church of God
do their appointed work in the needy fields
at home and abroad, in fulfillment of the
gospel commission, the whole world will
soon be warned and the Lord Jesus will
return to this earth with power and great
glory. 'This gospel of the kingdom shall be
preached in all the world for a witness unto
all nations; and then shall the end come.'"
—The Acts of the Apostles,
page 111.
7.
To what degree does God ex-
pect each of His people to fulfill
his assigned task? Matt. 25:15.
NOTE.—"To everyone who becomes a
partaker of His grace the Lord appoints
a work for others. Individually we are
to stand in our lot and place, saying, 'Here
am I; send me.' . . . Upon the minister
of the Word, the missionary nurse, the
Christian physician, the individual Chris-
tian, whether he be merchant or farmer,
professional man or mechanic—the respon-
sibility rests upon all. It is our work to
reveal to men the gospel of their salvation.
Every enterprise in which we engage
should be a means to this
end."—The Min-
istry of Healing,
page 148.
8.
If we deny God, what will be
the final result? Matt. 10:33.
God Requires Diligence
9.
What determines the degree of
blessing upon God's people? Luke
6:38.
NOTE.—"God declares, 'Blessed are ye
that sow beside all waters.' .
. A con-
tinual imparting of God's gifts wherever
the cause of God or the needs of humanity
demand our aid, does not tend to poverty.
`There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth ;
and there is that withholdeth more than is
meet, but it tendeth to poverty.' . . . The
sower multiplies his seed by casting it
away. So it is with those who are faithful
in distributing God's gifts. By imparting
they increase their blessings. 'Give, and it
shall be given unto you,' God has prom-
ised; 'good measure, pressed down, and
shaken together, and running over, shall
men give into your bosom.'
"—The Acts of
the Apostles,
page 345.
10.
Who is the real recipient of
every act of kindness and service?
Matt. 25:40.
11.
What demonstrates a genuine
concern for the needy? James 2:15-17.
12.
What is the divine formula for
greatness? Luke 22:25, 26.
The Rewards of Soul Winning
13.
What is the divine standard of
reward? Prov. 11:25.
NOTE.—"One of the divine plans for
growth is impartation. The Christian is to
gain strength by strengthening others. 'He
that watereth shall be watered also him-
self.' This is not merely a promise; it is a
divine law, a law by which God designs
that the streams of benevolence, like the
waters of the great deep, shall be kept
in constant circulation, continually flowing
back to their source. In the fulfilling of this
law is the secret of spiritual growth."—
Ellen G. White Comments,
S.D.A. Bible
Commentary,
Vol. 7, p. 947.
[ 34 ]
14. What is the crowning reward
for the soul winner? Dan. 12:3.
NOTE.—"Every shining star which God
has placed in the heavens obeys His man-
date, and gives its distinctive measure of
light to make beautiful the heavens at
night; so let every converted soul show
the measure of light committed to him; and
as it shines forth the light will increase and
grow brighter. Give out your light, . . .
pour forth your beams mirrored from
heaven. 0 daughter of Zion, 'Arise, shine;
for thy light is come, and the glory of the
Lord is risen upon thee.' "—Ellen G. White
Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
Vol.
4, p. 1153.
Lesson 11, for September 9, 1967
A Faithful Stewardship of Material Things
MEMORY VERSE:
"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be
meat in Mine house, and prove Me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if
I
will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that
there shall not be room enough to receive it." Mal. 3:10.
STUDY HELPS:
"Counsels on Stewardship," pages 65-88; "S.D.A. Bible Commen-
tary."
STUDY AIM:
To survey the whole scope of stewardship in relation to material
things.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. The Question of Ownership
1.
The purchase price of our salvation.
1 Peter 1:18-21.
2.
How Moses esteemed the riches of
Christ. Heb. 11:24-26.
3.
Christ warns against covetousness.
Luke 12:15.
4.
Covetousness, a form of idolatry.
Col. 3:5.
5.
The earth is the Lord's. Ps. 24:1.
6.
Ability to get wealth is of God.
Deut. 8:18.
7.
Silver, gold, cattle, and all are the
Lord's. Hag. 2:8 ; Ps. 50:10, 11.
II. Christ's Claim Upon Us
8.
Man is a steward of God's property.
Matt. 25:14.
9.
The Lord's work to be supported.
1 Cor. 9:11-14.
10.
Tithe is holy. Lev. 27:30.
11.
Christ commended tithe paying.
Matt. 23:23.
12.
Faithfulness in tithing the bounty
of His blessings. Mal. 3:10, 11.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"Wherever there is life in a church, there
is increase and growth. There is also a con-
stant interchange, taking and giving out,
receiving and returning to the Lord His
own. To every true believer God imparts
light
and blessing, and this the believer
imparts to others in the work that he does
for the Lord. As he gives of that which he
receives, his capacity for receiving is in-
creased. Room is made for fresh supplies of
grace and truth. Clearer light, increased
knowledge, are his. On this giving and
receiving depend the life and growth of
the church. He who receives,
but
never
135
]
gives, soon ceases to receive. If the truth
does not flow from him to others, he
loses his capacity to receive. We must im-
part the goods of heaven, if we would re-
ceive fresh blessing."—Counsels
on Steward-
ship,
page 36.
The Question of Ownership
1.
What does Peter say of the re-
lationship of the Christian to Christ?
1 Peter 1:18-21.
NOTE.—"Man does not belong to him-
self ; he has no right to use his powers
according to the wishes and promptings of
his unconverted body. He is the property
of God by creation and by redemption.
Man is bound to live mentally, physically,
and spiritually as God directs, to the glory
of His name, and not to the gratification
of fleshly desires. The converted man is,
indeed, a willing slave of Jesus Christ, . . .
who lives only to please his Masten"—
S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
on 1 Cor. 6:19.
2.
What choice of riches did Moses
make? Heb. 11:24-26.
NOTE.—"Moses refused present honor,
rank, and power because of his confidence
in the high destiny God had marked out for
him and his people. To all appearances
nothing could be more futile than to hope
for such a thing, since the Hebrew people
were in abject servitude to the strongest
nation on earth. Only faith in the prom-
ises of God could have led him to refuse
the throne of Egypt."—S.D.A.
Bible Com-
mentary,
on Heb. 11:24.
3.
Against what specific sin did
Christ warn His followers? .Luke
12: 15.
NoTE.—"Very few realize the strength of
their love for money until the test is
brought to bear upon them. Many who
profess to be Christ's followers then show
that they are unprepared for heaven. Their
works testify that they love wealth more
than their neighbor or their God. Like the
rich young man, they inquire the way of
life; but when it is pointed out and the
cost estimated, and they see that the sac-
rifice of earthly riches is demanded, they
decide that heaven costs too much. The
greater the treasures laid up on the earth,
the more difficult it is for the possessor to
realize that they are not his own, but are
lent him to be used to God's glory."—
Counsels on Stewardship,
page 150.
4.
What does Paul call covetous-
ness? Col. 3:5.
5.
How inclusive is God's claim to
this world? Ps. 24:1.
NoTa.—"God has laid His hand upon all
things, both man and his possessions; for
all belong to Him. He says, I am the owner
of the world; the universe is Mine, and I
require you to consecrate to My service the
firstfruits of all that I, through My bless-
ing, have caused to come into your hands.
God's Word declares, 'Thou shalt not delay
to offer the first of thy ripe fruits.' Honor
the Lord with thy substance, and with the
firstfruits of all thine increase.' This tribute
He demands as a token of our loyalty to
Him."—Counsels on Stewardship,
page 72.
6.
Who gives the ability to get
wealth? Deut. 8:18.
NOTE.—Man is prone to boast of being
"a self-made man," whereas all credit for
honor and success belong to God. "Wealth
is not of itself evil. It is the human ten-
dency, however, to become engrossed in
attempts to accumulate it and to hold on
to it for personal pleasure, and forget God
in the process. It was when Abram and
Lot became wealthy that strife arose be-
tween them (Gen. 13:6, 7). It is when
Christians become 'rich, and increased with
goods' and feel content therewith that
they wax poor in things of more perma-
nent worth (Rev.
3:17)."—S.D.A. Bible
Commentary,
on Deut 8:13.
[367
7.
What complete claim to posses-
sions does the Lord make? Hag. 2:8;
Ps. 50:10, 11.
Christ's Claim Upon Us
8.
Who is to care for God's prop-
erty? Matt. 25:14.
NOTE.—"Do all church members realize
that all they have is given them to be used
and improved to God's glory? God keeps a
faithful account with every human being
in our world. And when the day of reckon-
ing comes, the faithful steward takes no
credit to himself. He does not say, 'My
pound;' but, 'Thy pound bath gained' other
pounds. He knows that without the en-
trusted gift no increase could have been
made. He feels that in faithfully discharging
his stewardship he has but done his duty.
The capital was the Lord's, and by His
power he was enabled to trade upon it
successfully."—Counsels
on Stewardship,
pages 111, 112.
9.
How does .the Lord expect His
work and workers to be supported?
1 Cor. 9:11-14.
NOTE.—"Tithe paying and the giving of
offerings provide a continual check against
man's selfishness, in addition to helping
him to place his reliance on God and not
on material things of this world (see Matt.
6:19-21). So it becomes apparent that tithe
paying and the giving of offerings for the
support of the ministry and the advance-
ment of the work of God throughout the
earth bring blessings to both giver and re-
ceiver. Selfishness is checked, and interest is
created and sustained in the work of the
church. At the same time, those who have
given themselves to the work of the min-
istry are adequately provided for without
the burden and anxiety of trying to attend
to secular matters as well as spiritual
.Bible Commentary,
on 1
Cor. 9:14.
10.
What does the Lord call the
tithe? Lev. 27:30.
NoTE.—"The mind, the heart, the will,
and the affections belong to God ; the
money that we handle is the Lord's. Every
good that we receive and enjoy is the re-
sult of divine benevolence. God is the
bountiful giver of all good, and He desires
that there shall be an acknowledgement, on
the part of the receiver, of these gifts that
provide for every necessity of the body
and the soul. God demands only His own.
The primary portion is the Lord's, and
must be used as His entrusted treasure. The
heart that is divested of selfishness will
awaken to a sense of God's goodness and
love, and be moved to a hearty acknowl-
edgment of His righteous requirements."—
Counsels on Stewardship,
page 72.
11.
How did Christ speak of the
tithe? Matt. 23:23.
NoTE.—"Duty is duty, and should be
performed for its own sake. But the Lord
has compassion upon us in our fallen con-
dition, and accompanies His commands
with promises. He calls upon His people
to prove Him, declaring that He will reward
obedience with the richest blessings. . • .
He encourages us to give to Him, declaring
that the returns He makes to us will be
proportionate to our gifts to Him. 'He
which soweth bountifully shall reap also
bountifully.' God is not unrighteous to
forget your work and your labor of love."
—Counsels on Stewardship,
pages 90, 91.
12.
What does faithfulness in tith-
ing make possible? Mal. 3:10, 11.
Noxn.—"He tells us that He will open
the windows of heaven, and pour us out
a blessing, that there shall not be room
enough to receive it. He pledges His word,
`I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes,
and he shall not destroy the fruits of
your ground; neither shall your vine cast
her fruit before the time in the field, saith
the Lord of hosts.' Thus His word is our
assurance that He will so bless us that we
shall have still larger tithes and offerings
to bestow. 'Return unto Me, and I will
return unto you, saith the Lord of hosts.'"
—Counsels on Stewardship,
page 89.
37 1
Lesson 12, for September 16, 1967
Generosity in Stewardship
MEMORY VERSE:
"The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall
be watered also himself." Prov. 11:25.
STUDY HELPS:
"Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 525-536; "S.D.A. Bible Com-
mentary."
STUDY AIM:
To discover the means God has provided to develop our bighearted-
ness.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Recognition of God's Beneficence
1.
Firstfruits, freewill offerings.
Ex. 34:26 (first part) ; 13:12.
2.
Offerings to be given willingly.
Ex. 25:2.
3.
David's bountiful provision for the
temple. 1 Chron. 28:2, 3, 11-19;
29:1-5.
II. The Law of Increase
4.
Generosity begets generosity.
2 Cor. 9:6-11.
5.
The Christian's response to God's
generosity. 1 Cor. 16:2 ; Deut.
16:17.
6. Christ's commendation of the
widow. Mark 12:41-44.
III. Care for the Needy
7. God has a special care for the
needy. Prov. 22:22, 23; 23:10, 11.
8. Israelites were to care for the poor.
Lev. 19:9, 10; 25:35-37; Deut.
15:7-11.
9. The second tithe was used for
charitable purposes. Deut. 14:22,
23, 28, 29.
10. James enjoins care for the poor.
James 1:27.
IV. Prophecies and Warnings
11. A sign of the end. 2 Tim. 3:1, 2.
12. Corruption of riches foretold.
James 5:1-5.
13. When money is worthless.
Zeph. 1:18; Ezek. 7:19.
THE LESSON
in reaping was left for the poor, and once
in every seven years their lands were al-
lowed to produce spontaneously for the
needy. Then there were the sacrificial of-
ferings, the trespass offerings, the sin offer-
ings, and the remission of all debts every
seventh year. There were also numerous
expenses for hospitalities and gifts to the
poor, and there were assessments upon their
property."—Testimonies, Vol. 4, p. 467.
Recognition of God's Beneficence
1.
In gratitude for God's bounties,
what were the Israelites to render to
God? Ex. 34:26 (first part); 13:12.
Introduction
"The Levitical dispensation was distin-
guished in a remarkable manner by the
sanctification of property. When we speak
of the tithe as the standard of the Jewish
contributions to religious purposes, we do
not speak understandingly. The Lord kept
His claims paramount, and in almost every
article they were reminded of the Giver by
being required to make returns to Him.
They were required to pay a ransom for
their firstborn son, for the firstfruits of their
flocks, and for the first gathering of the
harvest. They were required to leave the
corners of their harvest fields for the des-
titute. Whatever dropped from their hands
[ 38 ]
NOTE.—"At the harvest and the vintage
the firstfruits of the field—the corn, the
wine, and the oil—were to be consecrated
as an offering to the Lord. . . . The first-
fruits of the wool when the sheep were
shorn, of the grain when the wheat was
threshed, were to be offered to the
Lord. . . .
"This arrangement was made by the
Lord to impress upon the people that in
every matter He must be first. By this
system of benevolence they were to bear
in mind . . . that the God of heaven sent
them sunshine and rain for their seed-
time and harvest, and that everything they
possessed was of His creation. All was the
Lord's, and He had made them stewards
of His
goods."—Testimonies,
Vol. 4, p. 77.
2.
What principle was to govern
the giving of offerings in addition to
the tithe and the redemption money
for the firstborn? Ex. 25:2.
NoTE.—"All that we do is to be done
willingly. We are to bring our offerings with
joy and gratitude, saying as we present
them, Of Thine own we freely give Thee."
—Counsels on Stewardship,
page 198.
3.
Recount the story of King Da-
vid's provision for the temple after
God refused him permission to build
the house of God. 1 Chron. 28:2, 3,
11-19; 29:1-5.
NoTE.—"From the very opening of Da-
vid's reign one of his most cherished plans
had been that of erecting a temple to the
Lord. Though he had not been permitted
to execute this design, he had manifested
no less zeal and earnestness in its behalf.
He had provided an abundance of the most
costly material—gold, silver, onyx stones,
and stones of divers colors; marble, and
the most precious woods. . . .
"David gave Solomon minute directions
for building the temple, with patterns of
every part, and of all its instruments of
service, as had been revealed to him by
divine inspiration."—Patriarchs
and Proph-
ets,
pages 750, 751.
The Law of Increase
4.
What is the inevitable result of
generous sowing? 2 Cor. 9:6-11.
NOTE.—"Christian giving is not a sacri-
fice at all, but preparation for a harvest.
God's 'unspeakable gift' (v. 15) brought
immeasurable blessings to mankind, and
to Christ it brought joy as he saw the re-
sult of His passion and was satisfied (Isa.
53:11). In the plan of salvation God
demonstrated the way to sow, and He
guarantees the harvest. Man must choose
whether he will reap the blessings that God
has in store for
him."—S.D.A. Bible Com-
mentary,
on 2 Cor. 9:6.
5.
On what basis are Christians to
give? 1 Cor. 16:2; Deut. 16:17.
NOTE.—"The Bible condemns no man for
being rich, if he has acquired his riches
honestly. Not money, but the love of
money, is the root of all evil. It is God who
gives men power to get wealth; and in the
hands of him who acts as God's steward,
using his means unselfishly, wealth is a
blessing, both to its possessor and to the
world. But many, absorbed in their interest
in worldly treasures, become insensible to
the claims of God and the needs of their
fellowmen. They regard their wealth as a
means of glorifying themselves. They add
house to house, and land to land; they fill
their homes with luxuries, while all about
them are human beings in misery and
crime, in disease and death. Those who
thus give their lives to self-serving are de-
veloping in themselves, not the attributes
of God, but the attributes of the wicked
one.
"These men are in need of the gospel.
The3 need to have their eyes turned from
the vanity of material things to behold the
preciousness of the enduring riches. They
need to learn the joy of giving, the blessed-
ness of being co-workers with God."—The
Ministry of Healing,
pages 212, 213.
6.
Whom did Jesus particularly
commend as He watched the givers in
the temple? Mark 12:41-44.
E39
]
NOTE.—"It is the motive that gives char-
acter to our acts, stamping them with ig-
nominy or with high moral worth. Not the
great things which every eye sees and
every tongue praises does God account
most precious. The little duties cheerfully
done, the little gifts which make no show,
and which to human eyes may appear
worthless, often stand highest in His sight.
A heart of faith and love is dearer to God
than the most costly gift. The poor widow
gave her living to do the little that she
did. She deprived herself of food in order
to give those two mites to the cause she
loved. And she did it in faith, believing that
her heavenly Father would not overlook
her great need. It was this unselfish spirit
and childlike faith that won the Saviour's
commendation."—The
Desire of Ages,
page
615.
Care for the Needy
7.
For whom does God have special
care? Prov. 22:22, 23; 23:10, 11.
8.
What instruction did God give
the Israelites in regard to provision
for the poor and the strangers? LeV.
19:9, 10; 25:35-37; Deut. 15:7-11.
NorE.—"The law of God gave the poor
a right to a certain portion of the pro-
duce of the soil. When hungry, a man was
at liberty to go to his neighbor's field or
orchard or vineyard, and eat of the grain
or fruit to satisfy his hunger. . . .
"Every seventh year special provision
was made for the poor. The sabbatical
year, as it was called, began at the end of
the harvest. . . . Of that which the land
produced spontaneously they might eat
while fresh, but they were not to lay up
any portion of it in their storehouses. The
yield of this year was to be free for the
stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, and
even for the creatures of the field."—
Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 531.
9.
What additional provision did
God make for the poor? Deut. 14:22,
23, 28, 29.
NOTE.—"To promote the assembling of
the people for religious service, as well as
to provide for the poor, a second tithe
of all the increase was required. Concern-
ing the first tithe, the Lord had declared,
`I have given the children of Levi all the
tenth in Israel.' Numbers 18:21. But in
regard to the second He commanded, [Deut.
14:23, 29; 16:11-14 quoted]. . . . This
tithe, or its equivalent in money, they were
for two years to bring to the place where
the sanctuary was established. After pre-
senting a thank offering to God and a
specified portion to the priest, the offerers
were to use the remainder for a religious
feast, in which the Levite, the stranger, the
fatherless, and the widow should partici-
pate. Thus provision was made for the
thank offerings and feasts at the yearly
festivals, and the people were drawn to the
society of the priests and Levites, that they
might receive instruction and encourage-
ment in the service of God.
"Every third year, however, this second
tithe was to be used at home, in entertain-
ing the Levite and the poor, as Moses
said, 'That they may eat within thy gates,
and be filled.' . . . This tithe would provide
a fund for the uses of charity and hospi-
tality."—Patriarchs
and Prophets,
page 530.
10.
How did the apostle James de-
fine true religion? James 1:27.
NOTE.—"Christ has said that we shall
have the poor always with us, and He
unites His interest with that of His suffering
people. The heart of our Redeemer sympa-
thizes with the poorest and lowliest of his
earthly children. He tells us that they are
His representatives on earth. He has placed
them among us to awaken in our hearts
the love that He feels toward the suffering
and oppressed. Pity and benevolence shown
to them are accepted by Christ as if
shown to Himself. An act of cruelty or
neglect toward them is regarded as though
done to
Him."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
pages 535, 536.
Prophecies and Warnings
11.
What spirit among men is a
sure sign that the end is near? 2 Tim.
3:1, 2.
1
401
12.
In what striking way does
James picture the final end of selfish
gains? James 5:1-5.
13.
How do the prophets picture
the final worthlessness of money?
Zeph. 1:18; Ezek. 7:19.
NOTE.-"Houses and lands will be of no
use to the saints in the time of trouble, for
they will then have to flee before infuriated
mobs, and at that time their possessions
cannot be disposed of to advance the cause
of present truth. I was shown that it is
the will of God that the saints should cut
loose from every encumbrance before the
time of trouble comes, and make a cove-
nant with God through sacrifice. If they
have their property on the altar and
earnestly inquire of God for duty, He will
teach them when to dispose of these
things. Then they will be free in the time
of trouble and have no clogs to weight
them
down."-Early Writings,
pages 56, 57.
Lesson 13, for September 23, 1967
Stewardship of His Love
MEMORY VERSE:
"In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that
God sent His only-begotten Son into the world, that we might live through
Him." 1 John 4:9.
STUDY HELPS:
"S.D.A. Bible Commentary"; "Counsels on Stewardship," pages 24,
157; "The Acts of the Apostles," pages 22, 332-334; "Christ's Object Lessons,"
chapter "This Man Receiveth Sinners"; "Steps to Christ," chapter "God's Love
for Man"; "The Desire of Ages," pages 547-551.
STUDY AIM:
To study ways by which the Christian may reveal God's love.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. The Love of God Revealed
1 The love of God is revealed in
Christ. 1 John 4:8, 9.
2.
One reason for the Saviour's com-
ing the first time. Heb. 2:17, 18.
3.
The devil's work must be destroyed.
Heb. 2:14.
II. Our Faith Unites Us in God's Love
4.
We are joint heirs with Christ.
Rom. 8:17.
5.
We become children of God by
faith. Gal. 3:26.
6.
Christ lives within the believer.
Gal. 2:20.
7.
Sacrifices pleasing to God.
Heb. 13:16.
III. God's Charge to the Believer
8.
The Christian charged to hold fast
his faith in a faithless world.
Heb. 4:14-16.
9.
Christians daily walk in love.
Eph. 5:2.
10.
Faith and labor unite in the
Christian. 1 Thess. 1:3.
11.
The gospel must be mixed with
faith. Heb. 4:2.
12.
Obedience to commandments and
faith of Christ united in the rem-
nant believer. Rev. 14:12.
13.
Salvation is the reward of faith.
1 Peter 1:8, 9.
14.
Good stewards of the grace of
God. 1 Peter 4:10.
15.
The Christian will discharge his
responsibility of stewardship.
John 17:18, 26; 1 John 4:11.
41
THE LESSON
NOTE.—
"
Christ must become man so
completely and fully that it can never be
said that He is a stranger to any tempta-
tion, any sorrow, any trial or suffering that
men must pass through."—S.D.A.
Bible
Commentary,
on Heb. 2:17.
3. Whose works must be extermi-
nated from the universe? Heb. 2:14.
Introduction
"The plan of salvation was laid in a
sacrifice so broad and deep and high that
it is immeasurable. Christ did not send His
angels to this fallen world, while He re-
mained in heaven; but He Himself went
without the camp, bearing the reproach. He
became a man of sorrows, and acquainted
with grief ; Himself took our infirmities,
and bore our weaknesses. And the absence
of self-denial in His professed followers,
God regards as a denial of the Christian
name. Those who profess to be one with
Christ, and indulge their selfish desires for
rich and expensive clothing, furniture, and
food, are Christians only in name. To be
a Christian is to be Christlike."—Counsels
on Stewardship,
pages 54, 55.
The Love of God Revealed
1.
Why was the incarnation abso-
lutely necessary? 1 John 4:8, 9.
NoTE.—"Only Love would give free will
to His creatures and run the risk of in-
curring the suffering that sin has brought
to the Godhead and the angels as well as
to fallen men. Only Love would be inter-
ested in gaining the cheerful voluntary
service of those who were free to go their
own way. And when sin came, only Love
could have the patience and the will to
advise a plan that would enable the uni-
verse to come to a full understanding of
the basic facts in the great controversy be-
tween good and evil, and thus ensure
against any further uprising of self-seek-
ing and hate. In the warfare against sin,
God, being truly love, can use only truth
and love, whereas Satan employs cunning
lies and cruel force. Only Love could in-
spire the plan that would permit the Son
first to redeem the human race from the
guilt and power of sin by His earthly life,
death, and resurrection, and then to be-
come the Head of a new and sinless race."
—S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
on 1 John
4:8.
2.
What was one reason for Christ's
coming among men? Heb. 2:17, 18.
NOTE.—"When he thought he had Christ
in his power, when the tomb was sealed
and Christ locked in, Satan exulted. But
Christ burst the bonds of death and walked
forth from the grave, for 'it was not pos-
sible that He should be holden of it' (Acts
2:24). Not only did Christ Himself rise,
but `the graves were opened; and many
bodies of the saints which slept arose, and
came out of the graves after His resurrec-
tion' (Matt. 27:52,
53).
And so, though
the 'strong man armed keepeth his palace,
. . . a stronger than he shall come upon
him, and overcome him,' (Luke 11:21, 22).
The stronger man, Christ, entered the
realm of death, and in death overcame him
who had the power of death, took away
his captives, and spoiled his house (Matt.
12:29) ; `and having spoiled principalities
and powers, he made a show of them
openly, triumphing over them in it' (Col.
2:15)."—S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
on
Heb. 2:14.
Our Faith Unites Us in God's Love
4. How closely interwoven are the
interests of Christ and those of His
true followers? Rom. 8:17.
NOTE.—"In God's plan for the complete
restoration of man, sonship and heirship
go together (cf. Gal. 4:7). If we are born
again as His children and are adopted as
His sons, God will also treat us as His
heirs. The inheritance is the kingdom of
glory . . . and eternal life (Rom. 2:7). The
full possession of this inheritance is long-
ingly awaited by the children of God."—
S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
on Rom. 8:17.
[ 42 ]
5.
How do we become children of
God? Gal. 3:26.
NOTE.—"The righteousness of God was
especially revealed in the death of Christ,
. . . but the revelation is repeated in the
continuous proclamation of the gospel and
in the spiritual experience of each person
who hears and believes the gospel (Gal.
1:16). Man could never conceive or attain
to this divine righteousness by his own un-
aided reason and philosophy. The righteous-
ness of God is a revelation from God."—
S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
on Rom. 1:17.
6.
How does Christ reveal Himself
to the world? Gal. 2:20.
7.
What can we do that will prove
pleasing to God? Heb. 13:16.
NOTE.—"Formal rites and ceremonies
have no meaning to God. He seeks men to
worship Him in 'spirit and in truth' (John
4:23), that is, by reflecting His character
and by demonstrating their love and de-
votion to Him in a life of service for
others."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
on
Heb. 13:16.
God's Charge to the Believer
8.
Because Christ is our High Priest
in heaven, what are we encouraged to
do? Heb. 4:14-16.
9.
What characterizes the Christian's
daily walk? Eph. 5:2.
NoTE.—"The offering that is made to
God without a spirit of reverence and grati-
tude, He does not accept. It is the humble,
grateful, reverential heart that makes the
offering as a sweet-smelling savor, accept-
able to God. The children of Israel might
have given all their substance, but given
in a spirit of self-sufficiency or Pharisaism,
as though God were indebted to them for
their favors, their offerings would have been
unaccepted, and utterly contemned by Him.
It is our privilege, by diligently trading on
our Lord's goods, to increase our store, so
that we may impart to those who have
fallen into distress. Thus we become the
Lord's right hand to work out His benevo-
lent purposes."—Ellen G. White Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
Vol. 6, p. 1118.
10.
What great principles are
blended in the true Christian? 1
Thess. 1:3.
11.
For the gospel really to be
effective, what must motivate the
preaching of it? Heb. 4:2.
12.
What two inseparable princi-
ples direct the life of Christ's follow-
ers? Rev. 14:12.
NOTE .—"What ! shall Seventh-day Ad-
ventists relax their devotedness when all
their capabilities and powers should be
placed on the Lord's side; when an un-
flinching testimony, noble and uplifting,
should come from their lips? 'Therefore I
love Thy commandments above gold; yea,
above fine gold.'
"When the law of God is most derided
and brought into the most contempt, then
it is time for every true follower of Christ,
for those whose hearts have been given
to God, and who are fixed to obey God,
to stand unflinchingly for the faith once
delivered to the saints. 'Then shall ye re-
turn, and discern between the righteous
and the wicked, between him that serveth
God and him that serveth Him not.' It is
time to fight when champions are most
needed."—Ellen G. White Comments,
S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
Vol. 7, pp. 981, 982.
13.
What is the real and final pur-
pose of faith? 1 Peter 1:8, 9.
NOTE.—"The joy of spiritual union with
Christ is beyond the comprehension of the
[
43]
unconverted and beyond the ability of the
Christian believer to describe. . . .
"Although the fullness of a glorified ex-
perience is possible only after the second
advent of Christ, the Christian now may
taste (see Heb. 6:5) the sweetness of the
presence of God as he allows his life to be
directed by the Holy Spirit."-S.D.A.
Bi-
ble Commentary,
on 1 Peter 1:8.
14.
What gifts will good stewards
minister to the world about them?
1 Peter 4:10.
15.
How will a Christian discharge
this responsibility of stewardship?
John 17:18, 26; 1 John 4:11.
Lesson 14, for September 30, 1967
Rewards That Endure
MEMORY VERSE:
"Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness,
which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me
only, but unto all them also that love His appearing." 2 Tim. 4:8.
STUDY HELPS:
"Testimonies," Vol. 6, pages 305-312; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary."
STUDY AIM:
To gain a new vision of the part God's children are to play in the
successful completion of the church's mission.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Stewards of an Organized Work
1.
God's work to be done with decency
and order. 1 Cor. 14:40.
2.
Why Christ ordained the twelve
disciples. Mark 3:14.
3.
The great commission.
Matt. 28:19, 20.
4.
Organization in the church is
originated by God.
1 Cor. 12:28.
5.
Church leaders to be good stewards.
1 Peter 5:1-3.
6.
God holds His leaders responsible.
Heb. 13:17.
II. The Church Has Only One Purpose
7.
How God will eventually classify
mankind. Luke 16:10, 11.
8.
The Lord will give the reward to
faithful ones. Col. 3:23, 24.
9.
The blessed assurance to the faith-
ful servant. 1 Peter 5:7.
Ill.
Lasting and Enduring Rewards
10.
Christians to abound in hope.
Rom. 15:13.
11.
The great hope of the apostolic
faith. 2 Tim. 4:6-8.
12.
The believer lays up for himself
treasure in heaven. Luke 12:33, 34.
13.
The church victorious. Rev. 22:1-5.
14.
Our Lord's greatest moment-and
ours! Matt. 25:31-34.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"In reviewing our past history, having
traveled over every step of advance to our
present standing, I can say, Praise God!
As I see what God has wrought, I am filled
with astonishment, and with confidence
in Christ as leader. We have nothing to
fear for the future except as we shall for-
get the way the Lord has led us.
"We are now a strong people, if we will
put our trust in the Lord; for we are
handling the mighty truths of the Word
of God. We have everything to be thank-
[ 44 I
ful for. If we walk in the light as it shines
upon us from the living oracles of God, we
shall have large responsibilities, correspond-
ing to the great light given us of God. We
have many duties to perform because we
have been made the depositaries of sacred
truth to be given to the world in all its
beauty and glory. We are debtors to God
to use every advantage He has entrusted
to us to beautify the truth by holiness of
character, and to send the messages of
warning, and of comfort, of hope and
love, to those who are in the darkness of
error and
sin."—Testimonies to Ministers,
page 31.
Stewards of an Organized Work
1.
How is the work of the church
to be carried forward? 1 Cor. 14:40.
NOTE.—"Christ designs that heaven's
order, heaven's plan of government, heav-
en's divine harmony, shall be represented
in His church on earth. Thus in His people
He is glorified. Through them the Sun of
Righteousness will shine in undimmed lus-
ter to the world. Christ has given to His
church ample facilities, that He may re-
ceive a large revenue of glory from His
redeemed, purchased possession. He has
bestowed upon His people capabilities and
blessings that they may represent His own
sufficiency. The church, endowed with the
righteousness of Christ, is His depositary,
in which the riches of His mercy, His grace,
and His love, are to appear in full and
final display. Christ looks upon His people
in their purity and perfection, as the re-
ward of His humiliation, and the supple-
ment of His glory,—Christ, the great Cen-
ter, from whom radiates all glory."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 680.
2.
What dual purpose prompted the
Saviour to ordain the twelve disci-
ples? Mark 3:14.
3.
With what great commission did
Jesus send His followers forth? Matt.
28:19, 20.
NoTE.—"The Saviour's commission to the
disciples included all the believers. It in-
cludes all believers in Christ to the end of
time. It is a fatal mistake to suppose that
the work of saving souls depends alone on
the ordained minister. All to whom the
heavenly inspiration has come are put in
trust with the gospel. All who receive the
life of Christ are ordained to work for the
salvation of their fellowmen. For this work
the church was established, and all who
take upon themselves its sacred vows are
thereby pledged to be co-workers with
Christ."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 822.
4.
Who distributes and bestows
various gifts to the church? 1 Cor.
12:28.
5.
Of what are the leaders in the
church especially reminded? 1 Peter
5:1-3.
NOTE.—"Church office does not justify
dictatorial measures. Appointment to any
position of leadership should be considered
as an opportunity to serve, not as an invita-
tion to exercise authority. Peter admonishes
elders not to yield to that temptation but
to be exemplary in all their conduct. . . .
"The elders were to be model Christians,
true representatives of the faith that other
believers could safely imitate."—S.D
A. Bi-
ble Commentary,
on 1 Peter 5:3.
"Peter regards himself and the elders as
shepherds of the flock, but looks to Jesus
as the supreme Shepherd, who cares both
for the undershepherds and for the sheep."
—Ibid.,
on 1 Peter 5:4.
6.
What is to be the attitude of
believers to the leadership of the
church? Heb. 13:17.
NOTE.—"God has appointed leaders to
shepherd His flock, and He calls upon His
sheep to submit to those appointed over
them, the while these leaders themselves
obey the Master."—S.D.A.
Bible Commen-
tary,
on Heb. 13:17.
"I have been shown that no man's
judgment should be surrendered to the
[ 45 ]
judgment of any one man. But when the
judgment of the General Conference, which
is the highest authority that God has upon
the earth, is exercised, private independence
and private judgment must not be main-
tained, but be surrendered."—Testimonies,
Vol. 3, p. 492.
The Church Has Only One Purpose
7.
What logical deduction did
Christ form regarding faithfulness
and unfaithfulness? Luke 16:10, 11.
NOTE.—"Here it is implied that mammon
(or, riches) is 'least,' or 'little.' Again it
should be pointed out that Jesus did not
commend the dishonesty of the steward.
. . . Lest the disciples, or others in the
audience, should seize upon this parable as
providing, in any measure, an excuse for
dishonesty, Jesus here clearly states the
profound truth that all who would be His
disciples must be characterized by scrupu-
lous integrity and diligence."—S.D.A.
Bi-
ble Commentary,
on Luke 16:10.
8.
What finally comes to the faith-
ful servant? Col. 3:23, 24.
NOTE.—"Every power lent us by God,
whether physical, mental, or spiritual, is
to be sacredly cherished to do the work as-
signed us for our fellowmen who are per-
ishing in their ignorance. Every man is to
stand at his post of duty untrammeled,
each serving the Lord in humility, each
responsible for his own work. "Whatso-
ever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord,
and not unto men; knowing that of the
Lord ye shall receive the reward of the
inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.' "
--Testimonies,
Vol. 7, p. 180.
9.
What blessed assurance is given
to the faithful steward? 1 Peter 5:7.
Lasting and Enduring Rewards
10.
What abundance should be ex-
perienced by the faithful child of
God? Rom. 15:13.
NOTE.—"Paul prays that their faith may
give them a life full of joy and peace and
hope, which are all the results of true faith
and of the presence of the Holy Spirit
(see Rom. 5:1, 2; Gal. 5:22). Where these
fruits of the Spirit are found, there will
be love and harmony among believers. Jew
and Gentile, strong and weak, all will live
together in joy and peace in the common
hope of sharing in the glory of God (Rom.
5:2)."—S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
on Rom.
15:13.
11.
In his last letter to Timothy,
what was the unshakable hope ex-
pressed by the apostle Paul? 2 Tim.
4:6-8.
NOTE.—"Paul's example of faithfulness
was to be a challenge to Timothy and to
every future minister of the gospel. Per-
sonal faith depends upon adherence to
God's Word. Every Christian will 'guard
the faith' by his personal representation
of its principles. The sincerity of a Chris-
tian's personal faith is measured by the
extent to which he reflects these prin-
ciples."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
on 2
Tim. 4:7.
12.
Where does Christ bid the be-
liever to lay up his treasure? Why?
Luke 12:33, 34.
NOTE.—"Materialism is at the root of
many of the world's major problems to-
day. It provides the basis for most political
and economic philosophies, and is thus re-
sponsible for most of the class and national
conflicts that plague mankind. Dissatis-
faction with what we have creates the desire
to secure more by forcing others to give
up all or part of what they have rather
than by toiling honestly ourselves. Cov-
etousness is the cause of many of the
world's insoluble problems."—S.D.A.
Bible
Commentary,
on Luke 12:15.
13.
What picture is given of the
church triumphant? Rev. 22:1-5.
[ 46 ]
14. In what way does Jesus speak
of His and our greatest moment of
joy? Matt. 25:31-34. Compare verses
21, 23.
NOTE.
-"The
work is soon to close. The
members of the church militant who have
proved faithful will become the church
triumphant."-Evangelism, page 707.
THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING
September 30, 1967
Southern Asia Division
The two schools that are to benefit from the Thirteenth Sabbath Offer-
ing overflow are the Assam Training School in the Assam Hills, India, and
the Kellogg-Mookerjee High School in East Pakistan. Both these projects are
extremely worthy of consideration, and both are in need of immediate
attention.
Until recent years it could be said that the Assam Training School
was almost inaccessible. In the early days the only means of access was a
bridle trail, which later became a rough jeep trail. Now, with the new
highway passing through the grounds of the school estate, this is no longer
the case. Although a number of new reinforced concrete buildings have
been added in the past eight years, the student dormitories, the adminis-
tration buildings, and half of the staff quarters, which are of pine timber
and mud plaster construction, are showing the ravages of time, wood-boring
insects, and heavy rainfall of several hundreds of inches annually. Also, the
Director of Public Instruction for Assam has demanded that we provide a
more adequate physical plant.
The Kellogg-Mookerjee High School is located on the banks of one of the
tributaries of the great Brahmaputra River in East Pakistan. This school
has suffered much because of floods and cyclones. The only access 'to the
school is by launch or steamboat. The time has come when we must build
in a new and better location. The young people of Southern Asia are look-
ing to the Sabbath Schools around the world for help on September
30.
Lessons for the Fourth Quarter, 1967
Sabbath School members who have failed to receive a senior
Lesson Quarterly
for the fourth quarter of 1967 will be helped by the following outline in studying
the first lesson. The title of the series is "Studies in the Book of Acts, No. 1." The
title of the first lesson is, "The Great Commission; the Twelve Apostles." The mem-
ory verse is Acts 1:8. The study helps are:
The Acts of the Apostles,
chapters
1 to 3;
Testimonies,
Vol. 8, pp. 19-23 ;
The Desire of Ages,
chapter 87. The texts
to be studied are:
Ques. 1. Acts 1:3.
Ques. 7. Acts 1:11.
Ques. 2. Acts 1:6, 7.
Ques. 8. Acts 1:13, 15.
Ques. 3. Acts 1:5, 8.
Ques. 9. Acts 1:13, 14.
Ques. 4. Luke 24:49.
Ques. 10. Acts 1:16-22.
Ques. 5. John 15:26, 27; Matt. 28:19, 20;
Ques. 11. Acts 1:22.
Luke 24:48; Acts 1:8.
Ques. 12. Acts 1:23-26.
Ques. 6. Acts 1:9, 10, 12.
[47]
NAL= ;t1ggiaRJAII
1146•LORI
BAY OP
5
E N G A L
COWED
L 0 N
ASSAM
TRAINING SCHOOL
RNA
011111010,11
BB OOOOO
B
ABABA"
A
PATNA
A 55 AMi
AMA.ASAD ;MIME,
_
r
SOUTHERN ASIA DIVISION
i
t:'
#
9.
.A.
T
.
e.
2 •„?
„Jr:wn: •s"..... /,‘,
rj
.............................
'...7
2,,,,....
/
SI
e
:
t
"
\...C...‘•.•••,./ • QUETTA
.1
V..
)
., .........
S
,
1
\-.........
.
k
p
/**
DALIN
.
.
1
".
- , ' A.
''
''
,
-----1=
1,
1
.
.....,
4
LteR HUT AN;
JMfA
KARACHI
000kuv •
O
...AISRULADRA
HARDT
A
?RSV
MALDIVE 10.
101-ANOS
Church Sob. Sch.
Unions
Population Churches Memb. Memb.
BURMA 20,748,804 74 3,541 4,201
CEYLON
11,300,000
15
881
1,251
NORTHEAST 156,493,058 71 3,880 6,386
NW. INDIA 185,500,000
25
2,186
2,555
PAKISTAN 125,000,000 45 3,209 9,073
SO. INDIA 110,160,887 176 17,500 19,640
W. INDIA
60,523,600
27
2,055
3,277
TOTAL 669,726,349 433 33,252 46,383
I 8 E T
A RA DIAN
S E A
LACCADIVE
ISLANDS
V
V.
AMIIIELIA! AP
4/
AMR
OPARAV
POOMA
NAARA7AL
INOIDIA•D
••••AD
•AWACIA •
a
B
R M A e
RANGOON
ti
C)
LeuTTAe
C
i
P
.
A'
%.)
'A
CA
n..
JTN